"Bad Spark"

[Optimal Optimus Primal]

"Computer, initiate the drone sequence," Megatron instructed as he shifted in the CR tank. If Rattrap was there with who he could only assume was Blackarachnia since she was quite knowledgeable with getting in and out of the base through any tiny crevasse undetected, he had a feeling that they also had a scout on the outside. Why bathe and be bored when he could be doing something a little more constructive with his time that required little effort to operate.

"Acknowledged. Drone sequence activated," the female voice repeated as a nearby monitor hanging from the ceiling dropped down lower over his tank and turned on. At the same time, a small, wireless-controlled, flying robot - similar to Scorponok's cyber bees - ejected from beneath one of the Darksyde's wings and flew off to give the Predacon leader an aerial view of the ship's perimeter thanks to a camera that had been installed on it. The drone was fairly quiet in its flight as it did its pre-programmed route.

Inside the Predacon base, Megatron observed everything on the monitor from the drone's perspective. His optics scanned the terrain closely with patience while the worst wound in his abdomen was almost done healing.

"I'm sorry, I'm sure that soft of thing has a waiting list. You will have to get in line."

"Evidently it must be a long line. And even my patience has its limits,"

Rattrap had given himself a dull, sarcastic laugh inside his head against their comments. Even though they were probably right, he didn't want to give either of them the satisfaction.

"I don't know why that white mare of yours is so adamant of us bringing him alive."

Although he hadn't shown it on the outside, he was surprised that she was playing along with the bluff. She could just as easily screw it up for them without a single care, but she didn't. Maybe it was just because of her new-found hope of escaping this planet with the Viper, but she still needed their help to get it done.

"You would think after what he has done, she wouldn't care nor mind what we do to him. I know, if put into that position, what I would do." "Sometimes, I think you Maximals must enjoy pain and suffering. I mean, if this your thing, you could do it in other ways."

"Ah yes, that white mare of yours is quite flawed in her reasoning,"

Rattrap knew why Whitegrazer would have wanted to speak with him if that motive of theirs had been entirely true, but it was only their cover-up story. And he wasn't going to bother disclosing any of her plans with Zodiac assuming she had any in the first place. ...But knowing her, yeah, she probably did. Would Optimus allow it? He didn't know. So, he had decided not to comment further on the matter, at least not until it might be necessary to further convince Zodiac of Primal's alleged death. Did he fail on the emotional end of the stick? Maybe a little, but Rattrap was known to hide his emotions, and if it had actually happened, Blackarachnia probably couldn't have cared less, so of course she carried on as her normal, creepy, negative-attitude self.

"It's always so black and white to you, isn't it? I suppose it's easier in our field of work to view the world in black and white,

Whoa. OUR field of work? the rat's thoughts automatically interrupted. Get real. He refused to compare any similarities to the shape-shifting murderer.

when in truth there are so many more nuances. You want to know the real difference between Maximals and Predacons? The latter doesn't try nearly so hard to hide their indiscretions."

The Maximal had rolled his optics at the pretender's "elite" wisdom. Even though he was right, it wasn't a subject Rattrap cared to indulge in at the moment, and especially not with the likes of him. That, and he was still trying to shake off that eerie smile Zodiac had just given him with Aurora's disguise before he became so serious in his tone.

"That all sounds most unfortunate for you," "But I'm sure you'll still land on your feet.. oh wait, that's what cats do. What is it rats do again? Oh yeah.. They serve as food for those higher on the food chain."

"Jee, thanks for yer sympathy," he responded sarcastically. "Actually, rats are survivors," Rattrap had retorted with a snide tone. Out of the two of them, if one was going to survive this war, it was going to be the rat, not the renegade.

"You have some uninvited house guests,"

At least Nemesis's answer to Terrorsaur had confirmed the intruders' whereabouts even though he soon found himself laying on the floor outside of his room after Rattrap had essentially tasered him or electrocuted him. That slagging vermin! Wait til I get my cross hairs on him, he thought angrily as he slowly came to...

Meanwhile, further away from the TransMetal's 'dactyl's quarters, Rattrap relayed an update to his leader with a quiet voice. "We've been had. We're tryin' ta find an escape but we got alotta Preds ta deal with in here. We might need a distraction. Also, Zodiac thinks you an' Megatron are dead, so we've been playin' along with it. I ain't sure about Megs, but we haven't seen 'im since we got here. Whatever Zodiac did to 'im, he was in really bad shape. Over," he ended his communication. Keeping it a one way transmission, like a baby monitor, left Optimus undetected, but not for long.

"Not yet, we have to deal with a little birdie first,"

"I gotta do everythin'," Rattrap complained to himself aloud. Leaving where Quickstrike laid unconscious on the floor, Rattrap made his way back toward Blackarachnia and Zodiac, preparing himself for more battle.

Rattrap's report was rather interesting. As much as he wanted further details on how his Spy was aware of Megatron's condition in the first place, it would have to wait. Could his nemesis really be deceased? Could they be on the brink of winning this war? Optimus knew better than to blindly assume that Megatron could be defeated that easily. Zodiac often retreated before witnessing his targets perish, which was always a foolish mistake, but it was one Optimus was going to take advantage of. With this information, he could catch him off guard.

"There we have it. Just as I surmised," Megatron said to himself with too much ego as he caught a glimpse of the blue and silver gorilla on his territory while the drone silently passed by above in an altitude too high to notice with audio and optic sensors. "Optimus Primal himself. Hm... Might he be seeking Zodiac for justice if that ermine Fuzor of his didn't survive earlier?" The narcissist gently stroked his chin. It was possible that Rattrap and the traitor, Blackarachnia, had tracked the shape shifter down some how to the Darksyde in order to retrieve him and return him to the Axalon's brig to answer for his crime. Some ideas developed in his devious mind with one in particular that he might like to execute.

"Repair cycle complete," the computer announced in the room.

"Finally," Megatron scoffed at it as he stood up and stepped out of the cryo bath. Peering down to his abdomen, he now had two memorable scars to live with in this TransMetal body; one from Optimus stabbing him with his own energon blade, and the other from that manipulative shape shifter. He growled lightly to himself in disgust and irritation but it quickly passed. He had business to attend to before anyone would catch wind of his absence. Quietly, he exited the room and headed in the opposite direction of where everyone else had congregated to per Nemesis's prior commands before making haste to sneak out of his own base and meet up with his long time "friend".

Both of the fliers groaned as their systems started to reboot and divert their power. "That rodent... often has too many tricks! You shouldn't have taken your eyes off him!" Inferno accused Terrorsaur.

"It could have been a trap, Bug breath!" he argued as they both stood up. "How was I to know who was in my room?"

With his gun in hand, Rattrap was about to turn the corner until he heard the two beginning to squabble, so he decided to wait and listen. They couldn't actually be as dumb as he thought they were, could they?

"It doesn't matter! You knew where the rat was, and you should have finished him off when you had the chance! Instead you let him escape!"

"Don't tell me what I should or shouldn't be doing! You aren't in command here!"

"Neither are you! But at least I follow orders!"

"That's because you're a fool who can't think for himself! Not to mention that your programming has been miss-wired ever since Tarantulas touched your stasis pod."

"You know nothing about loyalty!"

"At least I know the difference between our leader and a Queen..."

"Ah! You've betrayed the Royalty before, and you'll do it again! Traitor," Inferno accused Terrorsaur while aiming his weapon at him.

Terrorsaur just as quickly charged his optic lasers ready to blast the ant's legs off. All of them.

I really should just let 'em slag each other, thought the rodent as he remained hidden around the corner. Buuuut we don't got time for that, he decided as he stretched his arm out and narrowed his target through the opening of Terrorsaur's quarters' doors, firing at Nemesis's back to get her attention off of Blackarachnia and Zodiac.

"Ah! The Maximal rodent!" Inferno proclaimed as he removed his attention from his comrade and spun his weapon in his hand before returning fire at the Maximal Spy's arm and gun that were seen sticking out from behind the corner of the intersecting corridors.

"He's mine!" Terrorsaur turned and fired his optic lasers at Rattrap's weapon.

But the rodent was quicker with pulling his limb and gun out of harm's way just in time. Rattrap could feel the heat from their gun fire in such close proximity, and he could smell the smoldering metal. Knowing they'd start chasing him again, he bolted down the hallway with both fliers in hot pursuit.

Sneaking up on Primal, Megatron came around a boulder nearby and approached the Maximal leader.

As expected, Optimus suddenly grabbed both of his clubs from his back and stood in a defensive position as soon as he spotted the tyrant advancing toward him. Well, he certainly wasn't dead. He could have maximized, but he didn't want to give away his position to the ship's scanners. And the only thing that stopped him from using his hoverboard to evacuate was that Megatron wasn't armed. Then... that same flash of the mysterious, alien orb suddenly passed through his mind again uncontrollably. What was it? He didn't know. And he didn't make the connection that it had appeared in his head just as Megatron had arrived.

"Please, Primal, there is no need for hostility. I come in peace, yesss." The taller bot stopped a few feet away from the Maximal ape, and didn't appear to be posing as a threat. He could feel and even see a different presence about Optimus. His confidence in his own abilities as a commanding officer was greater, and his sense of awareness was keener. Something about him was different since the last time he saw him earlier. If his Fuzor had died, he doubted he would have been this... enlightened, for lack of a batter word to describe it. So she must have survived.

How did he spot him? What did he want? Optimus couldn't help but be on full alert. This could all be a rouse with an ambush waiting to jump him. His pink optics narrowed clearly in disbelief of Megatron's true intentions to this confrontation as he remained on guard with his weapons gripped tightly in his hands.

"And I come bearing a proposal," Megatron added as he kept his hands up to his shoulders with their palms facing the gorilla.

Primal's face relaxed a little more toward curiosity. "So, propose," he said firmly and impatiently. Although he lowered his clubs against his better judgement, he did not holster them to his back.

Megatron raised a brow with some disgust in his expression as if Optimus had meant it in the sense of a marital proposal even though he clearly hadn't. But the tyrant's mind worked in mysterious ways some times. Then he quickly shook his head to be rid of the awful thought before lowering his own hands and continuing. "I'm certain you have heard of the ancient proverb, 'the enemy of my enemy is my friend'."

Optimus grew thoughtful for a moment before answering as he realized where Megatron was heading with the idea. "You're suggesting a partnership." It was a statement, not a question.

"Precisely," the Predacon said with a slight grin to one side of his mouth. But it was obvious by his adversary's very cautious and unconvinced expression that he would have to be a bit more persuasive in order to have his tactic come to fruition. "I realize my actions in the past have been ruthless, and my cooperation has been uncompromising-"

"You think?" Optimus suddenly jumped in for a quip. "You expect me to listen to your deceitful words and actually take them into consideration after everything that's happened? The battles, the thefts of artifacts and protoforms, the murders including my own?"

Megatron's upper lip curled for a moment since he absolutely hated to be interrupted, but he supposed the opposing leader's observations held some merit to them. "Just... hear me out, if you wouldn't mind. After all, I have come this far to greet you unarmed and alone."

The TransMetal gorilla remained vigilant but decided to listen after the t-rex had made a valid point. He allowed him to continue.

"The way I see it, we have a common grievance that has been interfering with our daily lives ever since he arrived. Perhaps we can utilize a collaboration and find a way to finally... apprehend him," he had hesitated momentarily to think of the right word to use in order to skew his true ambitions from the overly compassionate Maximal before him. Megatron wanted to kill Zodiac, of course, but he knew that Optimus would never help him take a life. If he could just get him to work with him to take him down or keep him distracted, then Megatron could take advantage and present an opening to kidnap the shape shifter or just destroy him on the spot should the opportunity arise in his favor. If they could work together this one time, then they would be a stronger force against the dangerous and unpredictable renegade that Primal had foolishly help create so many years ago. Surely, that guilt continued to weigh on his shoulders, and the Predacon was more than willing to exploit it.

Taking a moment to evaluate their situation, his eyes subtly drifted downward from Megatron's optics to his stomach and he took in his scars. He recognized his, but the other one had been a deeper, larger wound. Who could have gotten close enough to him to even do that much damage? And was it related to what Rattrap had seen? He locked his eyes back onto Megatron's as he asked, "How can I be sure that you aren't just using me as a pawn to kill him?"

So typical of Primal. "He has stolen Rampage's spark from me," the Predacon was surprisingly honest with, "and I want it back."

"Rampage?" He renamed him? Interesting. ...And fitting.

"Formerly known as Protoform X," he clarified.

"Zodiac stole half of the spark that you stole from 'Rampage', and you want it returned to you and not its rightful owner," Optimus thought out loud to make sure he was understanding the absurdity of it correctly.

"Well, let's face it, Optimus, I gained better control over your menace with it in my hands than you and the Maximal Elders ever did," he explained with a slight smirk of overconfidence.

For a moment, Primal's eyes slipped away as if he was rolling them, but he tried not to be so obvious about it. Megatron hadn't even asked him why he was out there. Did he already know something he didn't? Were Rattrap and Blackarachnia okay? Perhaps he could negotiate their safe escape to judge how serious and willing Megatron was with cooperating. It was possible that Optimus actually knew more about this Zodiac situation than he did; the Viper, and the journal. And he'd like to keep it that way for as long as he could. Although for this tactic of Megatron's to be successful, they would have to work closely together which eventually would lead to the unveiling of the Viper with the obvious assumption that Megatron would gladly want to steal it. And if he managed to do that, then they would have to stop him. But they could deal with that when the time would come, IF it were to happen at all.

This was a rare instance in which Optimus might actually be a step ahead of his eternal adversary, however, he couldn't allow that to make him underestimate old Megs. Their motives may have been different, but they both wanted something from the shape shifter, and it only seemed logical that they join forces in order to stop him once and for all. Primal didn't forget their last truce, but the Maximals had benefited from it to an extent as well, and they'll do so again this time if need be. Was this cease fire with Megatron and his goons going to be risky? Of course. But it would be even riskier for all of them if they didn't stop Zodiac's onslaught. He didn't have to remind himself that the shape shifter had nearly killed Aurora just to acquire her I.D. chip. It was interesting what little information Megatron sought after Optimus's desire to infiltrate his base. Maybe he merely assumed that he was after Zodiac to arrest him. Or maybe he knew more than he was letting on. Maybe he just didn't care what Optimus wanted out of it.

"So, a cease fire between our factions to focus on bringing Zodiac down together," the Maximal established as his hands gently fidgeted with the handles of his clubs that hung at his sides.

"Yes, more or less."

Not wanting to appear desperate or throw his caution to the wind, Primal hesitated on his answer for the Predacon before him. He couldn't base it on emotion or selfishness, he had to be objective, and he had weigh the possible consequences. With all of them standing against Zodiac, and possibly Rampage, they could certainly over throw them. He was certain of that. This would be a plan that the pretender would not expect. But could their troops actually cooperate with each other to master such a feat? And what would be at stake? What might they sacrifice? Time would tell once Optimus would see the turning points of which Megatron will likely take advantage of. "Zodiac thinks you and I are dead, which could come in handy later," he brought up.

"Indeed, it could," the Predacon agreed, although he wasn't quite sure why the pretender thought Primal had expired, but there wasn't much time for explanations. No wonder the ape hadn't invaded his base yet to assist his rodent, the treacherous spider, and Zodiac; he was keeping a low profile. As much as he was trying to disguise his patience as it started to wear thin waiting for Primal's acceptance, he politely held out his hand to him for a shake on their truce.

Optimus glanced at his enemy's extended hand knowing that once he shook it, there was no turning back. Holstering his clubs on his back, he went forth and clasped Megatron's hand in a strong but not overbearing shake while their optics never wavered from each other's. The Predacon offered him a grin of satisfaction but Optimus failed to return the expression. "Now, to start this endeavor with a show of good faith, you'll let Rattrap, Blackarachnia and Zodiac go unharmed." Stick to the plan, he reminded himself. They needed Zodiac to willingly show them the way to the Viper. If he was caught too soon, then he'll likely never tell them where it is. Optimus wasn't even sure that its location or recorded trajectory would have been logged in Nexus's journal, so they couldn't rely on that once it was in the rightful hands.

"And Zodiac?" Megatron repeated with some skepticism. "If he is trapped inside of my base, it would be easier to ensnare him where he stands."

"True. But if he's working with Rampage, wouldn't you like to know where he sent him and why?" Optimus asked. "We both know Zodiac always has alternative motives. If we allow him to slip away now, then we can follow him to his rendezvous with Rampage where all of our troops can then converge on them."

Megatron still squinted a quizzical optic down at the TransMetal gorilla. He should know better than to try to pull a fast one me, he thought with some bitterness. However, his adversary brought up a good point. "Very well. We'll do it your way," he obliged. "Computer, cease scanners on radio communication," he instructed the Darksyde's intelligence so that Optimus could maintain his radio transmissions to his comrades behind enemy lines without being detected.

"Acknowledged."

"Remember, we don't want him to find out we're alive just yet," he addressed the Predacon leader with a cautious but subtle hand gesture.

"I have a handle on it, Primal," he said with a dismissive wave at him since he had not forgotten that detail. So, instead of risking verbal communication with Nemesis who might be close enough to Zodiac to pick up Megatron's voice over her comm. link, he sent her an encrypted text message that couldn't be intervened by anyone else who might have been snooping around in their transmissions: -Incoming message- Nemesis, another approach to Zodiac's apprehension has come to my attention. Let all of them escape, but do not make it obvious. I will explain later. -End message- [Sender Signature Confirmed as Megatron]

"Rattrap, get ready to bail," Optimus told him.

"Not without de she-spider and the terrible Aurora impersonator," he returned to his leader unbeknownst of his new partnership with the Predacon dictator.

"It's under control. Trust me."

"Under control? What's under control? And did you just blow yer cover?!" the rat pointed out.

"Rattrap!" he yelled into his comm. link sternly.

"All right, all right! Whatever you say!" the short Maximal finally complied with the two morons on his tail.

-Incoming message- Blackarachnia, if Zodiac has offered to take you with him, then accept it, Optimus sent her via a text message. We need the location of the Viper. We'll be right behind you. -End message-

[una]

((OOC: Sorry for taking so long with my post. The last few days have been horrible.))

"Can you sense them?," Aurora asked, "Are they all right?"

"I-I don't know." Whitegrazer said truthfully. "I hope just as much as you that they are okay. Rattrap and Blackarachnia are survivors, and I know they wouldn't needlessly put themselves at risk. Optimus, the same way." Whitegrazer knew Aurora wanted more than that. She did too, but she didn't want to re-open her link with Optimus. She wanted Optimus to do it. That was why she told him if he needed her or any help at all that he could. She felt it would be wrong of her to re-open the link. To her, it was a matter of trust and intimacy. "I'm sure if Optimus needed my help or get a message out, he would reestablish our link... or if Primus forbid, something terrible did happen to him or the others, the fallout would no doubtable filter through to me. The fact that it is silence gives me hope that they are all right."

"Is it the virus?," she then asked, a bit more hesitantly, "Is it limiting your powers in any way?"

"No," Whitegrazer shook her head. "Back at the Metal Hunter, my brethren possessed my body without my consent, and much of their power transferred to me. Because of that, my powers and abilities have increased, and that troubles me. They used my own link to Optimus as a conduit to link to everyone else including the Predacons, causing a chain reaction. I'm not only linked to Optimus, Zodiac, and you." She smiled down at Aurora. Then she turned away. "But I have links to everyone else. It opened doors that I didn't want nor choose to open. I find it violating not only to myself, but to the others, including the Predacons." She didn't want to make the same mistake she did centuries ago. There was power in knowing things, creating things, being aware of everyone and everything around you, it was freeing, it was powerful, beautiful, and yet quite terrifying all at the same time. A person can get too involved, a person with no self-control or morality can tow the line, cross boundaries that no being should ever cross. But it is a two-way street. If someone with a enough drive or passion, craving for control, they could turn her power against her, against the people she loved. "That is why I haven't reopened my connections with Optimus. After what happened, as well as my deception about who I really was to all of you, I didn't feel right in establishing a connection again. Also, I don't know what would happen if I did. I don't want to put Optimus, or any one else, though such a ordeal."

"If you don't, I'll find out soon enough,"

"Don't worry, we horses love to be cleaned and stay cleaned, so I will be very, very careful indeed." Whitegrazer said with a playful wink.

"Calmness.. Like a soothing sensation,"

"Really?" Whitegrazer seemed surprised, and yet, relieved at the same time. "You didn't feel any presences other than myself? Or see things like images, flashes of places or people you didn't recognize? Heard thoughts that weren't your own by mine or other people?" As Whitegrazer asked those questions, she began to ponder, if her fears weren't as huge as she believed. Or maybe it was different for Aurora. Depending upon different circumstances and emotions, people can interpret thing sin their own way. Maybe Aurora saw and felt what she needed from her. Aurora always seemed to be perceive her as a guardian and calming influence on her. What if that is what she and her connection subconscious gave to Aurora because that was what Aurora wanted, needed? Also, maybe the Vok didn't make their presence known to the little one because they didn't see her as relevant. Hmm, it gave hope that maybe, just maybe Optimus and her would be okay.

"Evidently it must be a long line. And even my patience has its limits,"

"Sometimes, patience has its virtues." Blackarachnia said, smiling at both Zodiac and Rattrap. Her response wasn't toward Rattrap actually, but she would let the boys think that. What other reason would she mean? She smirked inwardly.

"It's always so black and white to you, isn't it? I suppose it's easier in our field of work to view the world in black and white, when in truth there are so many more nuances. You want to know the real difference between Maximals and Predacons? The latter doesn't try nearly so hard to hide their indiscretions."

Zodiac did make a good point about the Maximals. From what she researched in the Darksyde's databases as well as her experiences with the Maximals and against, it was clear the Maximals wanted to paint themselves as the side with the higher moral ground, and yet, from what she seen and heard, that couldn't be farther from the truth.

That was one thing she missed from hanging with the Predacons: no set of morals she needed to follow. She had made her own rules for survival, her survival, and she wasn't going to allow some arbitrary set of standards kept her from her goal.

Blackarachnia kept an eye on Zodiac's expressions, hoping that there wasn't any doubt left in his mind that Primal was gone. After all, she couldn't wait to see his expression on his face when he realized how wrong he was. Though, why she cared about this was only to keep Zodiac from getting desperate or anything.

"Had?,"

Blackarachnia paused for a moment, but only to get Zodiac to continue to nag her about helping him. After all, she wouldn't mind a better offer.

"I gotta do everythin',"

Rattrap should just be grateful that she wasn't anywhere near him or she would slap him in the back of his head. But she was too busy right now. The pipe she threw at Nemesis left a mark against the blackbird's cheek, but it was only temporary as Nemesis' nanomachines closed up and healed the wound. The pipe was only a moment's distraction, nothing more.

"And you're also not supposed to show up uninvited. You two are trespassing and I can't simply let that go. However.. Of course I can be reasoned with," the avian female told the spider, "You can still leave this place alive, BlackArachnia. My target is our traitorous friend over there,"

"Well, I didn't think I needed one. Besides, I forgot a few things. Blackarachnia just shrugged, shaking her head with a smile. She pondered Nemesis' comment for a moment, making her think she was considering it. She had her own motivations, and she knew Megatron wouldn't let her join the Predacons ever again. Not after what she pulled, and the information she had stored in her processor. If he got her, he would extract that information in the most painful way imaginable, and sorry, she rather take her chances with the Maximals.... or the shapeshifter. "Sorry, I just need to borrow your traitorous friend for a second."

Nemesis kicked pushed her back. She held her abdomen. She turned to see Zodiac. He was still close by, but she could tell he planned on a back up plan.

Not the wisest decision you ever made," she then hissed at the other female, pointing the sharp sai at her as she spoke. "But very well, it appears you've made your choice. Now you'll have to suffer the consequences."

"Believe me, I have already suffered my consequence. I live with Maximals."

Nemesis lunged at her, with the sharp dagger. Blackarachnia jumped to the right, avoiding the woman's lung while also, hoping that due to Zodiac's close proximity that the blackbird would trip over him.

-Incoming message- Blackarachnia, if Zodiac has offered to take you with him, then accept it, Optimus sent her via a text message. We need the location of the Viper. We'll be right behind you. -End message-

Blackarachnia saw the message on her visor and read it with a slight glance as she watched both Nemesis and Zodiac. I hope you know what you are doing Optimus because once I see that ship, I might want to keep it.... for myself.

[Phoenix]

"Sometimes, patience has its virtues."

Sometimes.. And it was fortunate for the renegade he had been taught to be patient. At least most of the time..

"Well, I didn't think I needed one. Besides, I forgot a few things.

As usual the female spider couldn't simply make this easy. Although the avian female was less than surprised, as it seemed to be in the spider's nature to want to stir up trouble. She had done so quite frequently during her time with the Predacons and even continued to do so now that she was an outcast.. Little more than a traitor, someone Megatron would surely shift his focus to soon enough after this business with Zodiac had been taken care of. First things first..

"I always saw you as smarter than this..," the avian female muttered in annoyance, not really the overly fanatic follower that certain of the other Predacons were. Sure, she was loyal, but she wasn't without compassion towards someone she had once considered an ally and friend. The shapeshifting traitor was another matter though.. His actions had nearly cost her her life as well as forced her into exile for a while. And he had been closer to her than most at one point. Truth be told, Zodiac was as close to a brother as she'd ever had. And thus his betrayal stuck deeper than she could ever have imagined.

"Sorry, I just need to borrow your traitorous friend for a second."

Nemesis' lunge with her three pronged sai in her hand failed when the spider wisely got out of the way. Zodiac, on the other hand, made sure to duck and roll to get out of the way as well, not particularly liking the odds being stacked against him as long as his hands were tied like they were now. A moderately long collection of strings from the widow's webbing also helped keep his arms together, not that he would have been able to break out of the magnetic cuffs as it was. He had tried, and for each time he attempted to pull them apart they only seemed to squeeze more snugly around his wrists. Obviously he would have to consider alternative approaches here.

Upon seeing her true target attempt to get away, Nemesis immediately whirled on the shapeshifter in disguise, only to throw the sai in his direction. It hadn't been with the intent to kill, not yet anyway, but rather to make sure he wouldn't be able to sneak off while she dealt with the spider. The largest center prong pierced through the dangling webbing, dragging it along as the weapon impaled itself into the wall with all three prongs. The avian female's optics lit up bright red for a moment as she eyed her target attempting to pull free, only to realize with some frustration that the webbing was not only sticky but strong enough to hold onto him as well.

"Stay put," the avian told him after a tssk sound. The false fuzor merely sent her a glare as she turned her attention back to her armed opponent.

"Believe me, I have already suffered my consequence. I live with Maximals."

Nemesis held out her sword in BlackArachnia's general direction, igniting the flaming function on it as she spoke again.

"You shouldn't have come. The most important factor in that sentence is the word live. As you may yet come to realize, life is a luxury not everyone wants to bestow upon you. "


She started moving closer, twirling the flaming sword in her hand as she neared the other female.

Meanwhile Zodiac had turned to attempting to pry the sai out of the wall to free himself. And impossible as this task would have been for the likes of the real Aurora, he fortunately retained his normal strength in this form. So it was a daunting task to pull the weapon out of the wall, but not an impossible one. Slowly, with some wiggling, the prongs started to slip out of the wall. It would have been easier to do it if his hands weren't tied together, of course, but that was a privilege he didn't possess right now.

Nemesis' focus was on the other female, rather foolishly so as far as the renegade was concerned. But at least it bought him a few, valuable nanoclicks..

Just as the avian female was about to swing her flaming sword at the smaller female, hopeful to cut off some limbs in the process, an encrypted text appeared and demanded her attention for a brief moment.

-Incoming message- Nemesis, another approach to Zodiac's apprehension has come to my attention. Let all of them escape, but do not make it obvious. I will explain later. -End message- [Sender Signature Confirmed as Megatron]

What the...?

Sure enough, the text was confirmed to come from Megatron himself. But this seemed so unlike him, especially given all the problems the renegade had caused, not to mention the fact he nearly took the tyrant's own life.

And for a moment she hesitated slightly, not quite sure what to do. It was a moment of inattention that Zodiac was more than happy to take advantage of. With a final jerk he managed to pull the sai out of the wall. He held it in his cuffed hands for a nanoclick more, clasping onto its contours while trying to use the center prong to pry the cuffs off himself. It was a futile effort, something he realized quickly enough, so he then turned his attention to the most important issue at hand. Getting out of here. Lifting his cuffed arms, he took aim with the sai before throwing it.

Nemesis snapped out of it quickly enough when the piercing pain of the sai embedding itself into the back of her shoulder, letting out a growl as the surprise and pain caused her to drop the flaming sword. The weapon fell to the floor with a thud, leaving a scorch mark on the floor tiles before the sword turned itself off. Meanwhile Nemesis herself was more concerned about getting the intrusive object out of her shoulder and, of course, dealing with the individual that put it there. While she was reaching behind her with her one still functioning arm to yank the sai out, Zodiac made his move and made a swift run for freedom. He bypassed Nemesis easily enough given his own minuscule size at the moment and burst through what was leftover of the barricade in order to enter the hallway.

However the moment he got through the doors, it became evident that the hallways were as chaotic as it had been inside the room. He could see Rattrap bolting away in his motorcycle mode, with the two dimwitted Predacon flyers in hot pursuit. Well.. That would hardly matter in a moment since the renegade had plans of his own that involved all of them.

"Computer..," he suddenly said, mimicking Megatron's voice. "Access your memory files and initiate command C641.L3."

"Acknowledged."

After waiting for a mere nanoclick to make sure the computer had time to follow through with his command, the renegade grinned quite uncharacteristically for the fuzor form he still remained in.

"Maximal signatures detected throughout base," came the response from the computer's female and somewhat monotone voice. Thankfully the Predacons hadn't bothered to check their computer systems for his little trojan gift that he had left for them before they returned to the base.

"Activate self-defense protocols. Destroy all Maximal intruders!," he then ordered, watching with glee as the weapon systems throughout the base activated and started targeting both Maximals and Predacons alike. All but him, since his signature wasn't recognized by their systems. Yes, he realized the defense system would likely not be able to kill all of them. For one it wasn't quite as advanced as the Sentinel program the Maximals had implemented, but that hardly mattered. Whoever remained would be easy pickings when he was at the controls of the Viper, if he'd even bother to return to finish them off. He hadn't quite decided yet. Well, he probably should.. Some of these individuals were resourceful and often quite vindictive. With Megatron and Optimus both likely out of the picture, his main concerns were the likes of Nemesis and Rattrap. He didn't need them causing any more problems for him, besides.. evaporating them with the Viper's weaponry could be fun!

Meanwhile, back at the Axalon..

"I-I don't know." Whitegrazer said truthfully. "I hope just as much as you that they are okay. Rattrap and Blackarachnia are survivors, and I know they wouldn't needlessly put themselves at risk. Optimus, the same way."

Aurora wasn't quite so sure she agreed with Whitegrazer's assessment. She'd been there to see Optimus sacrifice himself against the planet buster, and she also knew of his decision to trade himself for some of his Maximals that were held in Megatron's clutches. Their leader was many things, and risk taker was definitely one of them. The other two, true, they were less likely to simply offer themselves up. But that didn't change the fact they were in a dangerous place with a highly unpredictable foe to deal with.

"Wouldn't this be a good time to check in with them though?," the fuzor wanted to know. "After all they probably can't break radio silence while in proximity of the Darksyde. But your connection doesn't work through radio, so that should be fine.. right?"

She hoped. Truthfully she didn't quite know how the bond process worked, even now that she'd gotten to experience it herself. Strangely enough the process seemed almost natural to Aurora, like she had always done it.

"I'm sure if Optimus needed my help or get a message out, he would reestablish our link... or if Primus forbid, something terrible did happen to him or the others, the fallout would no doubtable filter through to me. The fact that it is silence gives me hope that they are all right."

Well.. she had a point. Those links sure worked in mysterious ways though. Regardless it didn't seem like Whitegrazer was going to budge on this. What happened at the alien site the last time must really have spooked her.

"Back at the Metal Hunter, my brethren possessed my body without my consent, and much of their power transferred to me. Because of that, my powers and abilities have increased, and that troubles me. They used my own link to Optimus as a conduit to link to everyone else including the Predacons, causing a chain reaction. I'm not only linked to Optimus, Zodiac, and you."

Aurora stared at Whitegrazer for a long moment, her youthful green optics seemingly trying to pierce the other female's soul if based on the intensity of the look itself. So Whitegrazer viewed herself as a conduit of sorts then? And her powers had affected them all in some small, or larger, way. And what of the vok? Were they still around, hiding somewhere? Aurora had really tried not to think about it, especially after the way the white mare's own species had attempted to kill them all. And in some cases.. probably did take some lives. Aurora hadn't forgotten about her comrade getting swallowed up by a plant that seemingly came to life. Oh what a horrible place that had been.. The place of nightmares, especially for someone with her own background in bio-engineering.

"Are they still.. inside you?," the ermine fuzor inquired.

"But I have links to everyone else. It opened doors that I didn't want nor choose to open. I find it violating not only to myself, but to the others, including the Predacons."

"Is the risk of violating someone's privacy more important than potentially preserving their life?," the fuzor pondered, not entirely agreeing with Whitegrazer's decision. If she could connect with them all the way she explained, she could potentially hold the clue for how they could end this war. No more war, no more deaths, no more pain, agony or suffering. Yet part of her did understand the mare's reasoning, even if she couldn't find herself entirely agreeing.

"That is why I haven't reopened my connections with Optimus. After what happened, as well as my deception about who I really was to all of you, I didn't feel right in establishing a connection again. Also, I don't know what would happen if I did. I don't want to put Optimus, or any one else, though such a ordeal."

"But you were communicating with me via that same link," the fuzor argued, "And nothing bad has come of that. Why would Optimus be worse?" She genuinely didn't understand.

"Don't worry, we horses love to be cleaned and stay cleaned, so I will be very, very careful indeed."

Honestly.. The mare didn't really resemble a horse much anymore. She was instead some sort of twisted image of such, yet still maintained that beautiful soul even if her outside appearance might not reflect that now.

"Really?" Whitegrazer seemed surprised, and yet, relieved at the same time. "You didn't feel any presences other than myself? Or see things like images, flashes of places or people you didn't recognize? Heard thoughts that weren't your own by mine or other people?"

The fuzor shook her head while loading another cartridge into the paint gun to continue her work.

"I didn't.. at least I don't think I did. But then again I wasn't really snooping around for anyone else in there. "

In a sense she was a bit jealous of those that apparently did feel these things. She was curious what it was like to meet others via the link, but thus far Aurora hadn't dwelled deeply enough inside the link to really know. She'd only focused on the conversing aspect of it, not so much the feelings. Perhaps it was her own fault.

[Optimal Optimus Primal]

(( OOC: I'm sorry to hear that, una. I hope things have gotten better for you. ))

Suddenly, all of the Darksyde's defense systems activated and the auto-guns mounted within the ceilings inside of the base dropped down and targeted Rattrap and didn't hesitate to begin firing at him. Took 'em long enough, he thought as he strafed some of the gun fire, leaped into the air and reverted to his vehicle mode. Landing on his wheels, they were already spinning before they hit the floor which gave him a quick jolt of acceleration down the corridor. If this was part of the ape's plan, he could only hope that the she-spider would be lucky enough to escape with Zodiac who would lead them to the newly discovered vessel because there was no way he was turning back now to save their hides. Not while Inferno and Terrorsaur were both on his tail as well.

Wait... Come to think of it it had gotten awfully quiet on his rear. A quick glance over his shoulder and he saw that the two idiot fliers had fallen behind and got distracted because they too were being fired upon with their own ship's weapons. What the...? He could only assume that this was probably Zodiac's doing. Optimus didn't have the time or the resources to mess with the Darksyde's computer, and nor did Rattrap. Unless Blackarachnia had slipped in a fail-safe for them when she had been tampering with the security footage in Tarantulas's old lair... Well, whatever the case, Rattrap wasn't going to hang around to figure it out. He drove as fast as he could to the main exit of the base.

"Why is our defense system targeting us?!" Inferno demanded to know while he took several hits from the guns and then returned fire.

"How should I know?!" Terrorsaur replied as he used one of his wing blades to deflect the firepower. "Computer, cease fire! We're not Maximals, you idiot!" But she failed to comply and the gun fire continued raining down on them until they finally managed to destroy all of the auto-guns in their vicinity.

"The Maximal is escaping!"

"Who cares?! We oughta worry about our own skidplates!"

"We must warn the Royalty of this sabotage at once!"

"Calm down and stay put, hot-head. If we move to another location, we're just gonna get blasted again," Terry told his partner. Then he opened his comm. link to their temporary commanding officer. "Nemesis, what the slag is going on? Me and Inferno are being attacked by the ship's weapons!" Maybe she had answers, maybe not. Either way, until they got this issue figured out, they were in a bit of a bind that inhibited their usefulness for tracking down the intruders and obliterating them.

The relentless gunfire inside of the Darksyde could even be heard from Megatron's current location beside Optimus outside, and it caused the Predacon leader to turn away from his adversary and look in its direction narrowing his optics with suspicion. "I trust this is not a Maximal ploy," he said without looking at the TransMetal gorilla.

Again, the two of them were on the same page but knowing how Rattrap enjoyed taunting the Predacons Primal needed to make sure what was happening inside. "Rattrap, status report."

"I'm workin' on my way out, Big Banana," he said as he dodged more gun fire, swerving left and right. "De Preds' defenses are all outta whack targetin' all of us, includin' the Preds!"

Megatron growled through his teeth while he heard the rodent's explanation over Primal's comm. link.

"And did you have anything to do with it?" Optimus's voice suggested that it wouldn't have been the first time, or even the second or third. As aggravated as Megatron was, this was almost an every-day occasion to the Maximal.

"Nope, I can't take credit for it dis time. I'm just tryin' ta get de heck out before I blow my tires!" even though Rattrap didn't have inflated, rubber tires. "My best guess is Zodiac. You know how he loves ta tinker with our ships' computers!" he reminded his fearless leader. "But, you know, you probably can't completely dismiss dat it coulda just as easily been the she-spider too," he quickly added as if he was trying to get her in trouble.

Zodiac was probably a safe assumption which lead Optimus to look up at Megatron and see his reaction.

The tyrant balled his fists in outrage but took a deep breath. Despite the damage it was probably causing inside of his base of operations and injuring his troops, he tried to keep himself composed so as not to erupt in front of the Maximal leader and make himself look like a fool. After all, even though Primal's crew were behind enemy lines and they were trying to bring someone as unpredictable and dangerous as Zodiac out with them, Optimus was surprisingly calm.

Eventually, Rattrap slipped out of the Darksyde and drove off out of its canon-fire range before he fish-tailed to a stop and spun around behind some volcanic boulders. He swapped his wheels for his paws and waited to see what would happen next. Glancing around, he didn't spot Optimus, so he must have been in an another area nearby out of his sight. "All right, I'm out," he relayed to the monkey.

"Copy. Now we just need to wait for Blackarachnia," who hadn't responded to his text, so he didn't know what her situation was by that point.

"Not necessarily. Dose cuffs Aurora made dat I slapped on Zodiac can be tracked," the Spy explained. "And he can't get 'em off without deir remote which is in my possession."

Well, that was certainly interesting and useful. But he wasn't going to leave without Blackarachnia. For a moment, Optimus wondered what they could have possibly been made out of in order to be so effective on the metal-consuming shape-shifter. But since Aurora created them, he had complete confidence in their ability to keep him restrained. Of course, this also meant that Blackarachnia didn't have to put herself at risk trying to get both of them out of there alive. -Incoming Message- Blackarachnia, retreat immediately with or without Zodiac. The Darksyde's defenses are targeting everyone. Do you copy? -End Message-

While waiting for her to respond, Primal found himself wanting to open the link between him and Whitegrazer again. Not just to finally feel her presence once more and all of the warmth and serenity that came with it, but to give her an update on their progress. He was sure that back at the Axalon they wanted to know what was happening out here just as much as he wanted to know how Aurora was doing. But did he really want to distract himself while so much was going on and with Megatron right beside him? He didn't think the Predacon warlord would try anything since he still required the Maximals' help on finding out what Zodiac was up to and where Rampage was. So perhaps it wouldn't be as risky... All of this uncertainty. Enough of that. It was time for Optimus to take control, and with that stern decision, he reached out to Whitegrazer as if she were standing right in front of him and his hand had been able to grab her shoulder. The connection was so instant and strong that it threw him off for a moment and he gave a faint gasp with a sudden inhale. Was it supposed to be that easy after having severed it for so long and after the Vok had hijacked her body for their own personal use? Were the aliens still lurking about some where some how? He didn't think he could sense anyone else invading their privacy. Whitegrazer? he called to her in search of confirmation.

Primal's light gasp caused Megatron to peer down at him with a side glance and a raised brow wondering what he was in a fit about after such a peaceful presence that he had been maintaining, but the Maximal looked as though he was lost in his own world. Odd. What was he doing, and should he interrupt him? Nooo. Megatron was going to see how this played out instead, so he remained quiet and unobtrusive.

It had to be her, it felt like her as it always had, except now it was more fine-tuned or more powerful. Optimus didn't know why, for all he knew it could have been on her end, and he seemed dismissive about it as long as he could sense her again and all the clarity and tranquility that came with her. Whitegrazer, he repeated, how is Aurora? was his first concern, of course. I found her identification chip, undamaged. Hopefully that would give their Chief Biologist some relief once the Empath would relay it to her. We also found Zodiac, and- Involuntarily, there was an interruption with their link on Primal's end. His haunting scream when he faced the fake moon replayed as clear as day to him in his mind, MEGATROOOOOOOON!, and a flash of that strange, unfamiliar orb came through his thoughts once more. It was so quick, Whitegrazer could only see it for a second before it vanished along with their connection. Optimus nearly jumped as if he had forgotten who he was standing next to in Predacon territory.

Megatron cleared his throat when he noticed Optimus stir. "Day dreaming, Primal? This is hardly the time and place."

The Maximal glared at him for a moment before he relaxed. "Not quite. I wouldn't expect you to understand. It's a level of ascension you couldn't comprehend."

The tyrant scoffed at his words. "Do not presume what I am capable of comprehending. Just because you are a descendant of a Prime does not mean that you automatically qualify for the ascension of one," he dug in.

Since that wasn't what Optimus was talking about nor what he sought in life, he disregarded Megatron's demoralizing tone and suggested, "Shouldn't you be gaining control over your ship's weapons systems?"

"This is just the distraction we need for your comrades to escape, is it not? Let us allow it to carry on a few moments longer," he said as he crossed his arms over his chest and observed his base.

Primal slowly looked away from him and back to the Darksyde while wondering why and how he lost control over his connection with Whitegrazer. Perhaps it wasn't as easy as he had previously thought it would be. So, he tried again, and just like that, her presence came flooding back into his spark making him feel whole once more as if she could lift him right off of the ground. I'm sorry, Whitegrazer, I don't know what happened. Something felt overwhelming, and I couldn't control it. I believe I could benefit from some more training by you and more meditation, he confessed to her.

[una]

"Wouldn't this be a good time to check in with them though?," the fuzor wanted to know. "After all they probably can't break radio silence while in proximity of the Darksyde. But your connection doesn't work through radio, so that should be fine.. right?"

It would be. Her connection with Optimus and others had been a great advantage, something that Megatron and other foes couldn't predict or take advantage, yet, and though she wanted to use it, she hesitated.

"Are they still.. inside you?," t

"No, but they can intrude upon my connections, which is why I have become hesitant to re-open my links, especially with Optimus'." Whitegrazer pondered a thought, remembering Rhinox's suggestion about talking to Optimus about his special power which was still a mystery to him, as well as the other Rhinox and herself. Though, it was a just as calm and wonderful as she was sure Optimus had felt when she opened their link and shared her sense of warmth and compassion when he needed it. "So far they haven't talked nor made their presence known."

Is the risk of violating someone's privacy more important than potentially preserving their life?,"

"I guess, if you think of it in terms like the greater good, it makes sense, but I had my privacy violated multiples times by people who believed what they were doing was for the greater good. And my people believe what they are doing on this planet and the actions they took upon us were for the greater good." Whitegrazer remembered how she even used that as an excuse. "I believe in the greater good, but everyone has their own views of what the greater good pertains to."

"But you were communicating with me via that same link," the fuzor argued, "And nothing bad has come of that. Why would Optimus be worse?

"Because the Vok used him first, and through him, they were able to link up with the others from those who he loves, to those he respects, or to those who he despises, and with my abilities, they forged those connections. He was the origin point, the catalyst. I was just a power source in a way, and the Vok just amplified it. I know Rhinox believes the Vok already had an interest him ever since they took him in that pod by in the Standing Stones as well as the fact that the Vok have great respect for his ancestor, Optimus Prime, but the Vok are aware of my fondness for him, and that has a small part of it also. Also, they disprove of my attachment." Whitegrazer lowered her gaze with a sort-of wistful smile. "They never approved any of my decisions."

"I didn't.. at least I don't think I did. But then again I wasn't really snooping around for anyone else in there. "

"Maybe my fears are unfounded then." Whitegrazer smiled at Aurora as she helped the little one in the brig, unloading and reloading her cartridge and sprayed on her side.

Whitegrazer?

Warmth resonated from her shoulder like a gentle hand comforting her. "Optimus?" She stopped what was she was doing for the moment. Feelings of joy overwhelmed her as Optimus opened the link, but she grew concern when she wondered if something must have happened or he needed her help. Also, the sudden jolt of awaking their bond which they had severed for their own personal reasons made her body quiver and jump like someone gave her a spark to bring her back to life. Their connection didn't do that before, but she understood that perhaps it was due to her increased powers and abilities. Their connections had always been strongest of all, but now that her powers have grown due to the Vok's possession, it was now even stronger. What that entailed was something Optimus and her had to explore... on later date perhaps. Despite the overwhelming sensations she felt within her soul, she took a deep, shuddering breaths to focus, bring her grounded to reality "Are you and the others all right? We had all been worried."

Whitegrazer, he repeated, how is Aurora? was his first concern, of course. I found her identification chip, undamaged.

Whitegrazer resonated a glow. She turned to Aurora and gained her attention with a smile on her face. "It is Optimus." Aurora is fine. Rhinox was able to fix her speech. She can now talk again." When Optimus relied the information about her chip, she looked at Aurora, "He has your chip."

We also found Zodiac, and- Involuntarily, there was an interruption with their link on Primal's end. His haunting scream when he faced the fake moon replayed as clear as day to him in his mind, MEGATROOOOOOOON!,

Whitegrazer was pleased to hear that they found Zodiac, and she hoped to hear what was happening back at the Darksyde when she heard that haunting scream Optimus uttered that shook her soul, and still she shook her. Her body quivered, remembering the shock and pain of feeling Optimus' explode up in space. Their connection severed, and for a brief second, her eyes brightened, clouding over in a fiery white light that, with an otherworldy growl that rumbled from her throat, rumbling of pain, sorrow, guilt, and also, pure unadulterated rage towards that tyrant for what he had done. A flash of skeletal face, her own, along with some orb which she couldn't get a focus on it before it spooked and pushed her body backward like some powerful force of wind. Some of the paint sprayed upon her shoulder and the hand which wielded the cartilage.

Laying on the ground for a moment, she took some shallow breaths before she looked at her messy shoulder and hand. "So much for staying clean." She sighed, chuckling at herself,and laid her head back on the ground.

I'm sorry, Whitegrazer, I don't know what happened. Something felt overwhelming, and I couldn't control it. I believe I could benefit from some more training by you and more meditation,

Optimus connected with her again, apologetic, but there was no blame to go around here. It's all right, Optimus. No need to apologize. I was caught off-guard as well. She smiled. I believe we both underestimated the increase of power we gained during our break." It wasn't just her increase of power. no doubt those showers of light she felt from Optimus earlier at the Metal Hunter and a few hours ago had something to do with it also. I will very much like that, Optimus. I had missed our meditations sessions."

"I always saw you as smarter than this..,"

Blackarachnia sneered. Her anger was more at herself rather than the female bird. She much preferred to be around her fellow Predacons, but after what happened with Megatron and Tarantulas, it was something she could afford to do. ""How can you be so loyal to that purple tin tyrant when he was willing to see you dead when he thought you betrayed the Predacons? I didn't see him such you the same loyalty." She was actually surprised by the bird's loyalty towards Megatron. Especially since it was the Maximals, who helped her. Just like it was the Maximals, well, rhinox, specifically, who unchained her from Tarantulas' control. Ugh. She couldn't believe she was saying this garbage. Both Nemesis and her...owned the Maximals. Yuck!

Blackarachnia watched Nemesis got away from her for a moment, heading towards Zodiac, and Nemesis used her own webbing against her, against Zodiac, keeping the shapeshifter from going anywhere. Well, at least, she didn't claim her vengeance yet. That's good. She hated to the shapeshifter fall before showing her the goods.

"You shouldn't have come. The most important factor in that sentence is the word live. As you may yet come to realize, life is a luxury not everyone wants to bestow upon you. "

Blackarachnia kept a little distance between herself and Nemesis, especially when she pointed that sword and flames spurted from it. She felt the radiating heat itch closer and closer to her. "Being cut down by your flaming sword is still better than what waits me from Megatron and Tarantulas. Believe me, Nemesis, you will be doing me a huge favor." That was the truth. She didn't want to die, but dying by the hand of someone she at least respected a tiny bit, then by the hands of Megatron and Tarantulas.

A sai impaled Nemesis, and she turned to see Zodiac escaping from her webbing, squeezing through the door.

-Incoming Message- Blackarachnia, retreat immediately with or without Zodiac. The Darksyde's defenses are targeting everyone. Do you copy? -End Message-

"Don't have to tell me twice!

Blackarachnia transformed back into her beast mode and exited the room, but she followed Zodiac, hoping to evade any type of defenses from the Darksyde.

Her showdown with Nemesis had brought something out of Blackarachnia.

She needed to follow Zodiac, she needed to gain control of his ship for her own uses, and if that failed, then her only other option was to use the information she downloaded from Megatron's backup datatraxs without any Predacons or Maximals knowing. If she could, she could blast out of here. Far, far away.

[Phoenix]

(ooc: So I'm in the process of transferring to a new job.. And believe me, my work place of the past 5.5 years is doing everything they can to make this process overly complicated. They denied my request for PTO on the final day I was supposed to have been scheduled, July 5th, and then decided to take me off that day and shove me on 3 pm until midnight on 4th of July.. AGAIN. Every other holiday, my ass. I worked 4th of July 2014, 2015, 2016 and now 2018.. In 2017 I was on maternity leave and was VERY pregnant with a ton of pregnancy issues. And still they seem clueless why I'm now refusing to pick up extra shifts.. But seriously, if you expect favors all the time you have to give back once in a while. And not the whole "People get to leave when I say they can leave!" crap. Oh, I found out about that outburst, dear Director of Nursing.. Can't wait to be in my new job.)

""How can you be so loyal to that purple tin tyrant when he was willing to see you dead when he thought you betrayed the Predacons? I didn't see him such you the same loyalty."

Nemesis' optics narrowed a bit at the widow's snide remark. It wasn't so much that the spider was wrong as it was that the avian female didn't enjoy being reminded of the way she had been treated. She still remembered quite clearly how easily Megatron had suspected her of treason based on some video recordings of what had indeed looked like her, but it hadn't been her. It wasn't as if she had given the tyrant reason to suspect her prior to this, and he hadn't even wanted to listen to her explanation before beating her down and attempting to throw her in the brig.

Yeah.. Those were memories she would rather forget.

"Who I offer my loyalty to, is none of your business," she hissed to the black widow. Of course the situation was really a lot more complicated than she let on. It wasn't merely loyalty to Megatron, or the 'purple tin tyrant' as the spider so elegantly put it, but more so a genuine belief that Megatron held the solution to something Nemesis had spent her life working towards. Besides.. at least Nemesis held some loyalty to something besides herself, something that couldn't be said of the widow.

"Being cut down by your flaming sword is still better than what waits me from Megatron and Tarantulas. Believe me, Nemesis, you will be doing me a huge favor."

"And yet you keep opposing them, digging your own grave deeper each time," the avian female and acting second in command of the Predacons snapped back just as truthfully.

There was no doubt in her mind that the widow was intelligent, but how she used that intelligence left a bit to be desired. She could have been an asset, instead she chose to oppose them all. And for what? Her own selfishness and desires?

Zodiac's attack came without warning, forcing Nemesis to drop her guard for a moment as she grabbed the sai's handle from her shoulder blade and pulled it out with a pained grimace on her face. Fortunately she didn't have to worry about any debilitating injuries for long, as her nanomachines immediately set to work with patching up the gaping hole in her and returning the functionality of her arm within seconds.

That bum!

At that moment, she didn't feel concerned with Megatron's recent message to keep their target alive. Or perhaps that wasn't entirely true.. She did keep the tyrant's order in the back of her mind as she picked up her sword again and proceeded to follow in the direction both the shapeshifting troublemaker and the widow had gone. But what greeted her outside the room was nothing like what she was expecting..

The auto-guns had started firing, seemingly picking their target at random, and they certainly did not care to differentiate between Maximal intruders and the Predacons who actually resided here.

She growled as one of the auto-guns targeted her as soon as she entered the hallway, only allowing it to fire off a pair of shots that pierced her armor in her abdomen and upper thigh, before her flaming sword came crashing into the auto-gun and sliced deeper and deeper into it while sparks and smoke started to emerge from the malfunctioning device before it finally shut down.

Optics narrowed, Nemesis pulled back, and only then did she shut off the flaming sword and place her hand on top of the already healing wound on her abdomen. Ugh.. what was going on in this place? Surely Zodiac must have had something to do with this..

Zodiac couldn't help the somewhat smug smirk on his face as he watched the security system come online and target everyone around him, Maximals and Predacons alike. Of course he wasn't expecting it to be able to do too much damage given the fact the Predacon base wasn't equipped with a system nearly as sophisticated as the Sentinel system at the Axalon was, nor did he have the time or resources to implement a computer code nearly as complex as the one he had used to take over Sentinel. No, this time it had been a much simpler procedure with only one goal in mind. A distraction to keep them all off his tail as he made his exit.

With everyone seemingly distracted and hidden behind the cover of repeated gunfire from the auto-guns, Zodiac looked around for the direction of the exit and started moving as soon as he found it.

"Nemesis, what the slag is going on? Me and Inferno are being attacked by the ship's weapons!"

Terrorsaur's voice sounded, if possibly, even more annoying as he chimed in via com link. Sighing as she looked at the destroyed weapon in front of her, she hesitated for a moment before responding.

"It would appear one of the intruders might have left a surprise for us. Might as well reboot the computer system. It'll be down for a moment, but that's better than getting blasted non-stop."


Stepping back, the avian female was just about to sheathe her sword when a moment caught her attention. The white coloration of the furry little vermin with the delicate looking butterfly wings stood out more than most and Nemesis immediately followed the figure as it disappeared around the corner.

"Are they still.. inside you?,"

"No, but they can intrude upon my connections, which is why I have become hesitant to re-open my links, especially with Optimus'."

"Then where are they now?," the young fuzor inquired with every bit of curiosity possessed by youth. She didn't really understand how the vok worked just yet. They weren't physical beings in the sense the rest of them were, but they still needed a physical form to inflict their damage onto others. They needed Whitegrazer, they needed to use her, in order to get to the rest. So omnipotent as these creatures appeared to be, perhaps the truth wasn't quite so simple.

And frankly the further away the Vok were, the better for all of them. Even for Whitegrazer, despite how part of her might have missed the connection she once held with her own kin.

Also.. Whitegrazer hadn't seemed to hesitate too much before opening a connection with the fuzor. Optimus may have been first, but would that really prevent the Vok from attempting something like that again through someone else? Surely they would realize Whitegrazer was expecting them to watch her connection with Optimus now..

"So far they haven't talked nor made their presence known."

Well.. that was good at least.

"So why continue this pledge of solitude you've placed upon Optimus?," the fuzor wanted to know. "He misses you, you know.."

That last observation was clear to apparently everyone but Whitegrazer herself and Optimus. Or more than likely only the female. It was as if there was something missing in Optimus when he'd gone for a while without any direct contact with the mare. He seemed more restful and relaxed when he communicated with her, and without that he just seemed more.. stressed out.. Less.. tranquil if you will. She definitely had a soothing effect on him, and from the sound of it she hadn't embraced their connection for a while now.

"I guess, if you think of it in terms like the greater good, it makes sense, but I had my privacy violated multiples times by people who believed what they were doing was for the greater good. And my people believe what they are doing on this planet and the actions they took upon us were for the greater good."

The fuzor broke eye contact for a moment as she finished coating her section of the wall. They were almost done.

"If you ask me, I don't see how wiping species out of existence in the name of some experiment could possibly be for the greater good..," the fuzor commented without looking back at the other female. Her words held truth to them and she really didn't agree with what the aliens were trying to do.. and more than likely had already done countless times on other worlds.. perhaps even this one. It didn't really matter to her that they would then start over, giving life another chance, because the previous life forms on those worlds had already been exterminated and would never be able to live to their full potential.

It just wasn't right..

"I believe in the greater good, but everyone has their own views of what the greater good pertains to."

"It's really not that complicated," the fuzor explained. "Unless something is about to happen that threatens the existence of all life on a world, isn't the best option to just let that life work it out? Life is relentless and constantly changing.. evolving into new forms that couldn't even have been imagined by those that came before. What these aliens are doing is taking away that option, never allowing life to progress beyond a certain point. "

As Whitegrazer tried to explain, Aurora continued working. She was still listening, of course, but she didn't want to hold up for too long in case the others were to return soon.

"Because the Vok used him first, and through him, they were able to link up with the others from those who he loves, to those he respects, or to those who he despises, and with my abilities, they forged those connections. He was the origin point, the catalyst. I was just a power source in a way, and the Vok just amplified it. I know Rhinox believes the Vok already had an interest him ever since they took him in that pod by in the Standing Stones as well as the fact that the Vok have great respect for his ancestor, Optimus Prime, but the Vok are aware of my fondness for him, and that has a small part of it also. Also, they disprove of my attachment."

Optimus Prime.. The first of the great Primes. Aurora had heard stories, of course, and had read even more. Could really their Optimus' ancestry have something to do with the Vok's interest in him? And given their Optimus' apparent connection with the Prime of old, was he and the old admiral, Nexus Prime, related in some way? She'd have to ask Optimus about this when he had a moment to spare..

"So Optimus was the catalyst..," Aurora repeated with some mixture of realization and confusion. She wondered how long ago they had picked Primal to serve this role. All the way back at their first encounter, maybe? Or was it due to something within his spark that had to do with his ancestry?

"Maybe my fears are unfounded then."

Aurora shrugged lightly with her shoulders before blowing that pesky lock of fur from her face.

"Well, they haven't tried anything in weeks.. Our only concerns as of late have been much closer to home," she added, indicating the renegade being up to no good again.

Whitegrazer had gone silent, prompting the fuzor to look over at her. And it didn't take long before she realized the other female was otherwise preoccupied.

"Optimus?"

Aurora smiled to herself, realizing that Whitegrazer had reconnected with their leader. It felt warm and reassuring, even if she was not part of this connection right now. To her it was more of a need .. or desire.. to see her two parental figures get along. And those two truly did need each other, more so than anyone.

Whitegrazer's expression changed from one of calmness, relief, to happiness, to .. fear? And then back again. Aurora resisted the temptation to disturb her, not wanting to break up this intimate moment between two of the ones most important to her.

"It is Optimus."

The fuzor just smiled, already having realized that. She watched as Whitegrazer laid down, getting herself gooped up in the process, but managed to hold back a snicker when she did. Or at least she could hold it down until Whitegrazer herself commented about it.

"He has your chip."

Really? Phew, that was a relief! Aurora smiled gratefully at Whitegrazer for her update.

"So much for staying clean."

Aurora giggled at that, but returned to work now that Whitegrazer was otherwise preoccupied.

Meanwhile Zodiac could see the exit up ahead. As he walked there, he had wished he had picked another form instead of the fuzor, finding her lack of speed and no secondary mode to be annoying. Well, at least she was small, if not invisible against the background of the Darksyde corridors. Now he just had to get to Rampage and the two of them would be on their way.

He only barely caught sight of something approaching through the corner of his optics, causing him to bring his cuffed arms up in front of his face to protect himself from the oncoming attack. The sharp edge of Nemesis' blade snagged one of the magnetic cuffs, the flames licking across his wrist and leaving scorch marks in his fur. Zodiac quickly let out a pained gasp as he pulled back with his arms, yanking so hard that he almost pulled the blade out of Nemesis' hands.

The avian female looked at her pint sized foe with a glimmer of humor in her optics, obviously finding the situation amusing. "Did you honestly think you could get away that easily?," she asked while twirling the sword in her hand. Zodiac, in return, glared at her while rubbing his scorched wrist, as if trying to rub the throbbing sensation out of it. Although he did take note of the fact that the heat from her sword appeared to have loosened one of the magnetic cuffs a bit, in fact nearly sliced it in half, and as such rendered it effectively useless in keeping his arms locked together. The other half remained in place, of course, but at least he now had some mobility to his arms again.

"Oh Nemmy," he retorted with a disappointed sigh, "You still think you can manage to stop me?"

The avian female grimaced at him as she raised her sword again, more than eager to cut him down for his insolent words. Only for the auto-guns to target her yet again. A number of shot impaled the female in her backside, wings, shoulder, and neck, forcing her to take cover for a moment. And that moment was all the renegade needed. His hands now free, well at least mostly since one of the cuffs still wouldn't come off, he didn't hesitate to make a run for it while the female was distracted. He darted out the door, letting his wings grow as he ran. At least now he could partially change his form and this was something he was more than willing to take advantage of. His wings shimmered, taking on his normal dragon like form, and his body soon followed. Enough of this fuzor nonsense, he just wanted to get out of here. Unfortunately he still could only grow a small amount due to the cuff that was still intact on his other wrist, but at the very least it allowed him to change his shape to something a lot faster.. and less pathetic looking.

He took to the air the moment he got outside, not bothering to scout his surroundings. Flapping his wings to gain some altitude, he then adjusted his course towards Rampage and his precious cargo.

[Optimal Optimus Primal]

Having noticed Megatron's new scar on his abdomen, not too far from the one Primal gave him with his own energon blade, Optimus decided to confront him about it. "What happened there?" he nodded to the tyrant's stomach.

Uncertain as to what the ape was referring to, Megatron followed his observation down to his abdomen realizing that the Maximal had noticed his new scar. Ugh. However, he didn't answer him. He simply lifted his head and looked toward the "possessed" Darksyde.

"Don't want to talk about it?" the blue and silver gorilla inquired as he raised a curious brow.

"Who is inquiring? You? Or that wretched Vok under your command?" Megatron purposely insulted Whitegrazer's origin since he didn't care for her or her distasteful relationship with Optimus. But his answer-with-a-question informed the Maximal leader that Megatron hadn't forgotten about that link between them, nor the pain he had received directly to his own precious spark because of it in the Metal Hunter. That was what Primal's "day dreaming" had been, he surmised; him communicating with the freakish mare.

Optimus had narrowed his pink optics up at him for his comment but only for a moment. It wasn't worth giving him the satisfaction of his offensive words.

"Unlike Maximals, Predacons do not confess their feelings or faults to others. Such an action reveals weakness." Megatron practically scoffed at the idea.

"We find it helpful to cope, and it strengthens our friendships and bonds with one another."

The Predacon chuckled lightly as he replied, "Such therapeutic nonsense."

Even though Optimus would have liked to have argued it further, he knew he'd never be able to change Megatron's mind on the matter. At least not right now. There wasn't time. So he subtly shook his head after he looked away from him and returned his focus to Whitegrazer. He had felt a strong quiver from her but he merely assumed that she hadn't been expecting him to contact her with so much force, not that he was aware of his strength. Maybe it was more of temptation or desperation to feel her connected to him after so long.

Aurora is fine. Rhinox was able to fix her speech. She can now talk again.

Primal inhaled a deep breath of relief as if he was enjoying a long moment of peace and relaxation after a long day of work. I'm so glad to hear that, he returned to Whitegrazer as he absorbed her presence like a sponge. He knew Rhinox would be successful with the surgery, and there was no doubt that Aurora was grateful as well. Now, all he had to do was get her chip back to her in one piece.

Are you and the others all right? We had all been worried.

He figured as much. He couldn't imagine a better crew. Megatron had no idea what he was missing in life with this kind of "nonsense", as he put it. Yes, as far as I can tell. Rattrap has fled the Darksyde, so I'm waiting for Blackarachnia's safe return. And there's one more thing I should mention, he began but was abruptly interrupted again during their connection seemingly beyond his control. This is the specimen, a Vok's voice said that could be heard by both Optimus and Whitegrazer. You and your enemies have already contaminated the project, Unicron's voice broke in as a disguise from Whitegrazer's race. Oh, you Optimuses do love to sacrifice yourselves, don't you? a cocky and smirking memory of Megatron replayed. A banging of fists against a semi-hard surface was heard. Zodiac's laughter. Then Megatron laughing. And then their green meadow suddenly appeared as Optimus tried to ignore those distractions and regain direction in their link. Blue skies, a calm breeze. Nexus Prime's voice could be heard out of nowhere as he whispered Primal's name. That was enough to make Optimus tremble too much. Too many emotions eventually flooded his concentration and their link to each other was cut off again. Disappointed with himself, Optimus grumbled under his breath before he calmed down and reached out to his love once more.

It's all right, Optimus. No need to apologize. I was caught off-guard as well.

Whitegrazer caught off-guard? That was a little surprising to him. Sure, it happened to everyone, but her least of all. Some how she almost always managed to keep her cool thus encouraging the rest of them to do the same. He took her hand in their green meadow and held it in his.

I believe we both underestimated the increase of power we gained during our break. I will very much like that, Optimus. I had missed our meditations sessions.

Me too, he admitted as his thumb gently rubbed the top of her hand. Before he allowed himself to get lost in her eyes, Optimus backtracked to what he was about to tell her, and it was probably going to make her aware of why there was such a strong intrusion of Megatron within their bond. However, he needed to make sure none of this information could seep through to the shape shifter since he was aware that she had communicated with him in the past. And the best way he knew how to do that was with a visual aid. So, on their green meadow, they were suddenly boxed in together with glass walls that were sound proof, which gave them privacy to unwanted to ears. Except for maybe the Vok, but Primal's experience with this only went so far. Megatron has offered a partnership with us against Zodiac, he revealed. And I accepted it. I'm with him now while the Predacon base is under siege. Rattrap reported that Zodiac has found a vessel. It's called the Viper. His emotions suggested that this discovery was both dire and familiar to him through Nexus. We believe he has allied with Rampage, Protoform X's new name. We're going to let Zodiac escape so he can unknowingly lead us to it. We're also under the impression that he believes both Megatron and me to be dead, so we're using that to our advantage. The meadow fluctuated causing Optimus to release her hand and suddenly disappear.

"Don't have to tell me twice!

Although Blackarachnia's response shook Optimus out of his communication with Whitegrazer, he was relieved to hear from her. All he needed now was confirmation of her departure before moving forward.

Rattrap had spotted Zodiac - now in a smaller rendition of his normal appearance - fleeing the Predacon base, and upon closer magnification with his green optics, the renegade had been able to uncuff one of his wrists. How the heck did he manage that?! Just great! Would the beacon still work now? In a panic to their plan, Rattrap maximized and pulled out the remote to Aurora's new restraints. Flipping it over, there was a small screen that gave the coordinates of the cuffs current location. Of course they continued to rapidly change because of Zodiac's speed, but it was working. "Phew," he sighed in relief. He glanced up to the sky once more to see the black devil flying further away. What about the she-spider? She wasn't with him...

"Rattrap, regroup," Optimus sent him over his comm. link along with his position.

"On my way," the rat returned. Judging by his coordinates, he was just around the other side of the Darksyde, so the small Maximal took a wide angle over to avoid the ship's sensors and stay out of the range of its guns. Coming up to his leader's location, he suddenly spotted Megatron standing there with him, towering over the shorter TransMetal ape. He immediately pulled his gun and targeted the t-rex in robot mode. "I knew you weren't dead! We couldn't be that lucky. Unhand Optimus and back away, Megajerk!" he threatened him from his side.

"Rattrap, wait!" Primal called to him as his palms reached out to him.

"I am not holding your precious leader hostage, you insolent vermin," Megatron said as he turned to peer down at the puny Maximal.

"Yeah, right, I ain't fallin' for dat innocent game. You got some kinda trick up yer sleeve. Step away, now!" he warned him again.

Megatron rolled his optics despite not posing as a threat to either of them.

"Rattrap, hold your fire!" Optimus ordered while he deliberately placed himself between his Spy and the Predacon warlord. "We have a cease fire with the Predacons."

The rat widened his optics as he couldn't believe what he was seeing and hearing. "You can't be serious. Has he got you under some kinda mind control? Is Tarantulas involved in dis?!" His optics frantically searched for the sneaky spider for a moment before resting them back on Optimus. "Don't you remember what happened de last time we had a truce with these selfish lunatics?"

"Lower your weapon."

"Uh, no. I don't trust dis scam, and neither should you."

"It's all we have at the moment. Now, I said lower your weapon!"

Looking back up at Megatron, Rattrap hesitated a few moments longer to follow his leader's orders before finally obeying but not without an extremely skeptical glare upon the tyrant. "I hope you know what yer doin'," he told Optimus.

"We're still waiting for Blackarachnia, Megatron," he reminded him firmly of their agreement. Obviously the Predacon leader wanted to end her life, but Primal was going to make sure that didn't happen. No Blackarachnia, no deal.

"By the way, Black Beauty is gettin' away," Rattrap pointed out as he motioned to Zodiac who was flying off. It seemed as though he had been in too much of a hurry to spot them below, but they had been relatively covered by the large boulders and broken rock formations.

Both Optimus and Megatron looked up and squinted in Zodiac's direction with the t-rex releasing a low rumble in his throat.

"Nemesis, gain control over the auto defenses at once!" Megatron impatiently hollered at her over his comm. link. They had no time for lollygagging.

"Stay on him, Rattrap. We'll catch up." Optimus gestured him to hand him the remote to the restraints that were tracking Zodiac.

Again, the Spy was hesitant to comply. He glanced at his weapon in one hand and the remote in the other before reluctantly passing the tracker off to his commanding officer. "There could be a lot at stake here, Optimus. I hope you aren't monkeyin' around with it." Reverting to his dragster vehicle mode, Rattrap revved his engine and drove off in pursuit of the shape shifter, clearly in a poor mood about the truce.

"Blackarachnia, where are you?" he sent her over radio transmission since Zodiac was no longer in the vicinity to hear his voice and discover that he was still alive.

"It would appear one of the intruders might have left a surprise for us. Might as well reboot the computer system. It'll be down for a moment, but that's better than getting blasted non-stop."

"I guess that means us," Terrorsaur said as he rudely shoved Inferno's shoulder. "You go and grab Quickstrike, and I'll take care of the glitch in the computer."

Inferno grumbled at Terrorsaur touching him but he hardly budged because of it. Agreeing with his partner's assessment for once, he responded with, "Fine," and moved down the corridor to pick up the little Fuzor. On his way, he was forced to take out two auto-guns that targeted him and fired. When he reached Quickstrike, he nudged him with his foot. "Get up, Fuzor." He nudged him again.

Quickstrike stirred while his red optics flickered on-line. He moaned from his sore side where Rattrap's shot nailed him but he still tried to act tough in front of Inferno once he realized who it was that was kicking him. "Yer not makin' it any better, blender butt," he said in aggravation. Rolling over he got to his feet and looked around. "What happened?"

"I think all of them escaped. The Royalty will not be pleased," he predicted. "And the ship's weapons are targeting us. Terrorsaur is in the process of correcting the malfunction."

"Well then. Ain't that a kick in the teeth?" the Fuzor asked rhetorically.

Meanwhile, Terrorsaur had made his way to the command center using his wing blades as shields to deflect the ammunition and his optic lasers to destroy the guns that were necessary to do so. Flying up to one of the control panels, he used his keen knowledge to dig into the files of the computer in order to find the corrupted ones and try to reverse the current settings that someone had tampered with. "I'm about to reboot the system," he hailed on their frequencies per Nemesis's suggestion. "Stand by." And with that, he powered it down for several seconds before reactivating it.

[una]

"Then where are they now?,"

"Where ever they are, I believe they are too busy trying to see if they can cure Tarantulas' virus to cause us any trouble." Whitegrazer told the little one. She knew where they were, but the last time she ever had contact with them was during the battle and it seemed they were more worried about their experiment and Tarantulas' virus than them. That might not last though, but she hoped her people will hesitate to make a move on them since Optimus and the Maximals were trying to find a cure. It was stalled, of course, due to no signs of symptoms, but they were going to help them. And maybe, just maybe, if they could find a cure, Optimus and her could use that to help them see that the Maximals were no threat to them. To leave them, leave her, alone. "If we can find a cure when the virus activates, we may be able to help them and establish a dialogue with them. Hopefully."

"So why continue this pledge of solitude you've placed upon Optimus?," the fuzor wanted to know. "He misses you, you know.."

"Well, it's... complicated." Whitegrazer said. "I mean it wasn't just how I feared my people will take advantage of such a link, but... I did deceive him as well you all. I wanted to give him time without any inference or further complications from myself or my people."

But it seemed like Optimus had forgiven her about that transgression. She was glad and hoped to make it up to him and to the Maximals.

"If you ask me, I don't see how wiping species out of existence in the name of some experiment could possibly be for the greater good..," t

"The Vok, my people, experience and see the world differently, Aurora. They could see past, present, and future. Time has no meaning to them... to us. Nor does death." Well, death had meaning to her now since she has a physical form, and now that she lived with physical beings, time was everything and poignant to her. "This wasn't first time they destroyed this planet." She let Aurora process that information. " Except this time, they failed." Because of Optimus. "When they destroyed this planet, they were going to rebuild it like nothing ever happened. Every piece of foliage, the organic population would be reborn like nothing ever happened." She let that one sink in too for the little one. "They changed their minds about that now, though."

"It's really not that complicated," the fuzor explained. "Unless something is about to happen that threatens the existence of all life on a world, isn't the best option to just let that life work it out? Life is relentless and constantly changing.. evolving into new forms that couldn't even have been imagined by those that came before. What these aliens are doing is taking away that option, never allowing life to progress beyond a certain point. "

Whitegrazer smiled and nodded, "Maybe you should have been with me when I tried to tell them that."

"So Optimus was the catalyst..,"

"Yes, and I despise their decision, especially since they are aware of his lineage." Whitegrazer had finished a section, and moved on to another one.

"Well, they haven't tried anything in weeks.. Our only concerns as of late have been much closer to home,"

Whitegrazer nodded, "Hopefully, when they do try anything, maybe we can have a chance to talk with them."

Talk. She always tried that, but it bite her in the butt. She tried to talk to them through their clone of Optimus during her early days in this war. They didn't even give her a chance or acknowledge. They just ignored her, like nothing, and TyCross, her mentor, spoke nothing about it, like he didn't care.

She was tried of being ignored by her people and the High Council Of Elders, but she discarded their opinions about her and guidance a long, long time ago. It still strung that like the Maximal Elders, her people just discarded her, used her as a weapon, her.

When Optimus communicated through the link, she couldn't help but feel joy at Aurora's expression as she relied the fact that Optimus was in contact with her and her id chip was undamaged. Not to mention, the giggle the little one gave out at her messy appearance due to the sudden surge of two souls reconnecting unaware of their power. It caught her by surprise but it was welcomed.

"I better clean this stuff off before it hardens," she smiled at the little one. It started to already. Oops, Aurora made a good point earlier. This stuff was a mess and hard to get off. She exited the brig for a moment to go and get some cloths and spray to try and rinse away this stuff. Maybe should bring some of this stuff with them. Just in case, she had another accident.

I'm so glad to hear that,

Yes, as far as I can tell. Rattrap has fled the Darksyde, so I'm waiting for Blackarachnia's safe return. And there's one more thing I should mention,

Whitegrazer was glad to hear that it seemed they were all okay, and as she waited for Optimus to continue, as she walked back inside the brig, the echoes of what the Vok told Optimus when they had tied in that alien bungalow as Rattrap called it made her froze. Megatron saying words she didn't hear him say, but maybe a phrase he must have said to Optimus when he had been flying up there. Megatron always loved to taunt his enemies, kick them when they were down. She heard the cackle of Zodiac's laughter mixed in with Megatron's, and she tried to reach out and calm him. The green meadow appeared before her eyes. Blue skies, and green grass caressed by a gentle breeze but then she was cut off. Optimus? It didn't last long. Once again, she felt him open up the link. I'm sorry. She uttered. She couldn't help but feel like she was also responsible for the resurface of his past memories especially ones that involved her people.

Me too, he admitted as his thumb gently rubbed the top of her hand. Before he allowed himself to get lost in her eyes, Optimus backtracked to what he was about to tell her, and it was probably going to make her aware of why there was such a strong intrusion of Megatron within their bond. However, he needed to make sure none of this information could seep through to the shape shifter since he was aware that she had communicated with him in the past. And the best way he knew how to do that was with a visual aid. So, on their green meadow, they were suddenly boxed in together with glass walls that were sound proof, which gave them privacy to unwanted to ears. Except for maybe the Vok, but Primal's experience with this only went so far. Megatron has offered a partnership with us against Zodiac, he revealed. And I accepted it. I'm with him now while the Predacon base is under siege. Rattrap reported that Zodiac has found a vessel. It's called the Viper.

In the link, which he re-established a connection, she reached out towards him in the green meadow. When he took her hand, rubbing it gently with his thumb, she closed her optics and enjoyed the feeling. Glass walls appeared around, and she knew she didn't created them. It must have been Optimus. That was a good idea. They didn't know how could be or try to listen. Zodiac hadn't had the habit of dropping in on her conversations like her people nor did she believe her people will listen to this as they would believe it to be irrelevant. Also, she was still cautious about the links that were invisible to others like Megatron. That was a slight fear he could try and use it, even if it was a small piece. So whatever it was, she understood the extra protection. I know you will be careful. After all, partnerships with Megatron usually end with him pulling something. What was she talking about? Megatron always pulled something, but if he did struck a partnership with Optimus in order to deal with Zodiac, in their own base no less. They must realize they needed the help. What happened in the Darksyde? Her thoughts for a time went to Nemesis. She hoped she was all right. She knew the relationship between the two was lathered with betrayal and contempt. And though she didn't want Nemesis to kill Zodiac, she didn't want to hear that Nemesis fell by his hand. A vessel? Zodiac has a vessel? This was big. She wondered what he planned to do with the vessel. Just escape? No. Would he really escape with the blazing vengeance he still had for Optimus? Or did something change? Something had to. Especially with his behavior when he inflirated their base. I could try and contact Zodiac, if you wish. Maybe I could talk to him. He might not be forthcoming, but if I could talk to him, maybe I could figure out what he is hoping to accomplish?

We believe he has allied with Rampage, Protoform X's new name. We're going to let Zodiac escape so he can unknowingly lead us to it. We're also under the impression that he believes both Megatron and me to be dead, so we're using that to our advantage. T

Rampage? Whitegrazer shook her head. Megatron's doing she supposed. It makes sense. X, I mean, Rampage has just turned into slave for Megatron. If Zodiac got the other half of Rampage's spark, Rampage would be freed from Megatron. Though, Zodiac was dumb. He probably won;t give Rampage's spark back willingly. After all, that would just guarantee him a death sentence as Rampage's first instinct above all else, voluntary or not, was to kill. She felt the link between them fluctared. The meadow was disappearing before her eyes. I will tell Rhinox and the others. Before he could leave she best tell him about what Aurora and her were doing. Aurora and I are making a brig which would hold Zodiac.... if you capture him. She smiled. Aurora created a substance that could do just that. She has become quite the inventor as of late.

She was about to tell him something something else when something shook Optimus away from her, and the link was gone... for now.

She took a deep breath as she looked at Aurora with a smile. "Let's finish up here, and then I need to speak with you and Rhinox together."

"Who I offer my loyalty to, is none of your business,"

Blackarachnia smirked as she could tell Nemesis didn't enjoy that painful remembrance, of the betrayal. "Oh, so you haven't forgotten? Good. For a moment, I thought you just turned into Inferno, nothing but loyal drone eager to serve his queen." Nemesis wasn't like Inferno, and she knew that, and probably the blackbird had her own reasons rather than blind loyal, but Blackarachnia just wanted to warn her, from one old comrade to another, what that painful event tried to teach her.

Megatron. Tarantulas. Pfft. Those two slaggers needed to die.

If she has to join and use the Maximals to do it, so be it. Their death meant her survival.

And if she could catch Zodiac, her ticket out of this place, out of this war.

"And yet you keep opposing them, digging your own grave deeper each time,"

"At least, it is my grave to dig." Blackarachnia sneered at the blackbird. You are not the one with backup datattraxs Megatrona and Tarantulas want to drill out of you head."

Blackarachnia had tried to find Zodiac, but the autoguns fired at her, causing her to have to jump multiples times in loop de loops and crawling all over the walls. She had lost track of Zodiac, and bashed one of her eight legs like a fist against the wall. She took a breath and calmed herself. It wasn't over yet. She still had a chance to rectify her mistake.

Besides, if she wanted that ship, she will have to deal with Rampage, that serial killer wannbe, and she didn't want to have to deal with that bot alone. She shuddered. Definitely not.

"Blackarachnia, where are you?"

Blackarachnia has just turn the corner, and that was when she saw Optimus, Megatron, and Rattrap hanging around. Interesting group huddled together. "Sorry for the hold up, boys." She wasn't going to mention that she was trying to track Zodiac and failed. She transformed. "Those autoguns didn't seem to like me very much. So what's the plan?"

[Phoenix]

(ooc: lol, Megatron's comment about therapeutic nonsense made me laugh.. Pure gold. In fact the entire interaction between Megatron and Optimus is pure gold. Great work!)

Zodiac wasted no time as he sped off towards the Viper's location, his normal form capable of speeds most others couldn't keep up with even though he was forced to maintain a smaller size due to the restrictions placed upon him by the remaining cuff.. or bracelet.. or whatever the designed purpose of those things were. It was quite frustrating to him that he wasn't able to consume the material or at the very least break it, but due to the built in flexibility of the cuff it actually allowed for him to regrow his size a bit before the constraints became too tight for comfort and made him decide to stop.. for now.

Of course he wasn't able to transform to his dragon form either but that didn't matter. He still had his wings and access to the thrusters that allowed for his rapid speed increase. His wings extending to their full length, he was actually enjoying the sensation of the breeze and the warmth of the sun against his armor. He wasn't even really trying to conceal himself since he was flying at such high speeds it was doubtful anyone could keep up if, by chance, they had seen him depart.

As he started getting closer to the Viper's whereabouts, he found himself taking out the half-spark he still had in his possession and looked at it with a bit of a smirk on his face. Oh, how Megatron had hated the fact he took off with his prize.. Of course at the time the tyrant had much more serious issues to consider, his rapidly approaching demise being the most major of them, but it had still been nice to deliver that one last blow to the purple tyrant's ego.

Oh, he understood perfectly well why the, hopefully, former Predacon leader had kept the spark under such close guard. Rampage, as the tyrant had named him, was quite dangerous and unpredictable. A force of nature, one could say, even if that description may have been a bit crude. But where Rampage had been given an immortal spark and the brawn needed for a lethal soldier, Zodiac was more of a behind the scenes operator. Someone capable of infiltrating and taking down an empire from within. And with Rampage now at his own disposal, that was exactly what Zodiac planned to do.

He stared intently at the spark in his grip, almost hungrily so, eager to unleash the wrath of his new soldier onto the world that had wronged them both so much. And by the end of it, after their enemies had been torn to pieces, perhaps then he would allow Rampage to have his spark back.. But only after Zodiac was confident there wouldn't be a double-cross where Rampage would turn on him.

Perhaps not.. Without the spark, he would have no way to control the seemingly uncontrollable menace. He'd likely have to hang onto the spark until Rampage was no longer useful.. Or until the crab had proved his own immortality was a myth.

The spark glowed and pulsated vividly in his hand, so full of life. A rebellious life that was now at his disposal, to use as he pleased. The smile on the shapeshifter's face widened a bit as he finally put the spark away and angled himself for the final approach to his destination, the massive and frankly rather intimidating shape of the Viper appearing in the distance near the lake where Rampage had extracted it from. Oh, it was a magnificent sight indeed! The most advanced vessel at the Maximals' disposal, a ship capable of not only space but also time travel, yet still equipped with weapons that could level a city in minutes.

"Thank you for the gift, Nexus Prime," Zodiac chuckled to himself as he thought about how he would never have gotten his hands on this magnificent marvel of a machine if the aging admiral hadn't called on its inclusion in his frantic search for his pet pupil. Whom had seemingly been killed as irony would have it. A pity it had to have been at someone else's hand, but that was okay.. Zodiac would still get the chance to kill him all over again after he made his return to Cybertron.

Starting his descent, the shapeshifter took note of the large crab sitting near the Viper, patiently waiting for his arrival. Zodiac flapped his wings to slow down enough to land only a few feet from Rampage's location, immediately gesturing to the ship as he did.

"Great job, partner," he commended him on his achievement, "But we need to hurry before the others arrive. You will be pleased to know that Megatron has paid dearly for what he did to you and he will no longer be an obstacle in our way."

As he spoke, he walked over to the ship and placed a hand on it, touching it as if he needed physical proof that his optics were not deceiving him. Indeed, the cold metallic surface underneath his fingers left him feeling.. surreal. It was actually all coming together in his favor!

Tapping the metal lightly with his hand, Zodiac then turned around to face Rampage once more before gesturing to the annoying bracelet around his wrist.

"I did run into some trouble, as you can see.. Do you mind breaking this thing off?"

"Oh, so you haven't forgotten? Good. For a moment, I thought you just turned into Inferno, nothing but loyal drone eager to serve his queen."

Nemesis hissed at the insolent tone in the spider's voice. It was one thing that the she-spider had betrayed them to join forces with the opposing team, something the avian female truthfully had somewhat considered doing when things looked bleak for her as a Predacon. Indeed, her feelings about the entire conflict were a bit conflicted at best. She had been among the Maximals, gotten to know them, and she did feel that Primal had the potential to be a great leader. And in many ways he already was.

But, as things were, it was Megatron who had spoken up about his desire to undo the Maximal leadership that had kept the Decepticons and Predacons in an inferior position for so many years. And when the tyrant had showed her these plans by allowing her to see the video files of the original Megatron, it had made everything much more clear for the until then hesitant female.

Unlike BlackArachnia, Nemesis was not of Maximal heritage. She was the result of a desperate attempt to overthrow the Maximal rulers, an attempt that, albeit successful, had cost her dearly. She had seen her brethren suffer and die, and she herself had been tormented to be turned into something she had not been created as, and for that reason it meant everything to her when Megatron promised her a new and better future. It was a chance to get rid of all the trauma, to grow up in a world of equality or even superiority. Why should the Decepticons and Predacons deserve the fate forced upon them by the Autobots' descendants?

But no.. She hadn't forgotten how Megatron had treated her while under the belief that she had betrayed him. But as painful and humiliating as that experience had been, Megatron was not the one she blamed for it. Any Predacon or Decepticon leader would have done the same to a seemingly traitorous underling.

It was Zodiac who had set her up to fall out of Megatron's graces, so he was the one she blamed for it. Not Megatron.

"You shouldn't be so quick to judge that which you have no idea about," Nemesis had growled back. She wasn't going to tell the spider the truth behind her loyalty. Why would she?

"At least, it is my grave to dig."

"And you seem so eager to dig deeper too," Nemesis sneered back as the spider made her exit. Then the autoguns proceeded to fire upon them both.

After dealing with the nearest gun, Megatron's com link flickered to life.

"Nemesis, gain control over the auto defenses at once!"

"Fine,"

Already taken care of, the female thought to herself with some annoyance. Or at least she hoped it would be, provided Terrorsaur wouldn't fail at this task. She had already instructed him to reboot the entire system after all.

But, of course, she knew better than to reply in such a manner to the often highly emotionally unstable tyrant.

"At once," she replied via com link, hoping Terrorsaur wouldn't take too long.

"I'm about to reboot the system," "Stand by."

And just like that, Terrorsaur's message patched through. Nemesis drew a silent sigh of relief when she heard his quick report, and another one when the computer system appeared to go down a moment later. It wasn't that she feared any damage that could be rendered by the autoguns, not at all, but Megatron already sounded more than a bit impatient in his recent message. And frankly being targeted by their own weapons was a nuisance that was delaying them from dealing with the real threat.

The waiting period after Terrorsaur rebooted the computer system felt like it lasted forever, even though in reality it was only a few nanoclicks before the computer system came back online. And to her relief, the weapon system did not turn back on with the computers, instead everything seemed to return to its normal state.

Well then.. They had wasted enough time playing around. It was time to find the traitorous shapeshifter and make him pay for everything he had done. Obviously Zodiac must have made his escape by now, but from what Megatron had told her it seemed as if that was all part of his plan.

"Systems operating normally," she told Megatron via comlink after making sure the bug in the system had truly been wiped with a simple reboot. "What is the next phase in your plan?"


Hopefully Megatron would order them to go after Zodiac..

"Where ever they are, I believe they are too busy trying to see if they can cure Tarantulas' virus to cause us any trouble."

Well, that was a relief! Hopefully Whitegrazer was right in her assumption, since these aliens hadn't exactly been helping them before.

"Do you think they can cure it?," Aurora asked. Indeed, both prospects were frightening to her. Leaving the virus active could have some dire side effects, but clearing it could potentially release an even bigger threat.

"If we can find a cure when the virus activates, we may be able to help them and establish a dialogue with them. Hopefully."

Would they really be willing to discuss matters in a more civilized manner? Or would they simply deem it easier to try to kill them all again?

"Help them? I hope you haven't forgotten everything they tried to do to us.. to you.. and this planet," the fuzor said, making it blatantly clear that she didn't want to strike up some sort of bizarre friendship with these aliens. No, it would be far better if they would just leave this place and leave all of them alone.

Sometimes Whitegrazer's sweet and forgiving nature could be a bit.. naive.

"Well, it's... complicated." Whitegrazer said. "I mean it wasn't just how I feared my people will take advantage of such a link, but... I did deceive him as well you all. I wanted to give him time without any inference or further complications from myself or my people."

Was that all there was to it, Aurora wondered. Or was the white mare harboring more secrets still?

"Hiding within a shell isn't the way to do it," the fuzor muttered, still a little weary of Whitegrazer's self-imposed internal solitude. Yes, the two of them had connected, but that connection wasn't anywhere near as strong as the one Optimus had surely been experiencing.

"The Vok, my people, experience and see the world differently, Aurora. They could see past, present, and future. Time has no meaning to them... to us. Nor does death." Well, death had meaning to her now since she has a physical form, and now that she lived with physical beings, time was everything and poignant to her. "This wasn't first time they destroyed this planet." She let Aurora process that information. " Except this time, they failed." Because of Optimus. "When they destroyed this planet, they were going to rebuild it like nothing ever happened. Every piece of foliage, the organic population would be reborn like nothing ever happened." She let that one sink in too for the little one. "They changed their minds about that now, though."

Whitegrazer's confession puzzled the fuzor. And angered her. No, she wasn't angry at Whitegrazer, but rather her 'people' that were willing to treat this planet and all its wonderful life like nothing more than a classroom science experiment. It showed a race completely devoid of compassion and remorse.

"We weren't even here before to cause any problems with their experiment, so to speak, so why would they have killed everything on this planet off several times already?," the fuzor then demanded, not doing anything to hide her annoyance. "Life deserves a chance to evolve without constantly being interrupted by a race that enjoys playing godly beings."


It only mattered a little to her that the Vok had allowed life to start over again, it had still come at the cost of other beings who could have evolved into something remarkable if they had only been allowed to live.

"Maybe you should have been with me when I tried to tell them that."

"Would it truly have made a difference?," the fuzor said with a bit of a sigh. She didn't really think it would.

"Yes, and I despise their decision, especially since they are aware of his lineage."

"But why him?," the fuzor demanded, not liking the fact that the Vok had chosen Optimus to torment.

"Hopefully, when they do try anything, maybe we can have a chance to talk with them."

"They haven't been overly receptive to talking thus far," the fuzor remarked, surprisingly bluntly. And even if they did manage to strike up some conversation with the Vok, she didn't trust those creatures enough to believe anything they would have to say.

Whitegrazer soon managed to get herself covered in the sticky substance Aurora had created, forcing a bit of a smile on the until then serious face the fuzor had maintained.

"I better clean this stuff off before it hardens,"

"I would use some additional soap during the shower,"

the fuzor replied with a wink of the optic. Oh, Whitegrazer looked a bit of a mess, true, but the sticky goo was not going to harm her. It might affect her movement a bit though if she didn't hurry with washing it off, however.'

Instead Whitegrazer went quiet for a little while, her ever changing expressions revealing that she was more than likely communicating with someone. Optimus, more than likely, given the report she had given about his progress only a few moments ago. Well.. good! Aurora was glad the two of them were talking again.

"Let's finish up here, and then I need to speak with you and Rhinox together."

Aurora nodded, taking a quick glance at the now covered walls that only needed to dry for a little while. It wasn't perfect, exactly, but it would work.

"Okay, I think we're just about done here. Let's go."


So she turned off her paintgun and starting putting the equipment away before walking out with Whitegrazer.

[Optimal Optimus Primal]

(( OOC: Not a huge deal, una, but I just want to clarify for you that Megs and Optimus are outside of the Darksyde on the perimeter, not inside the base. ^_^ Carry on!

Thanks, Phoenix. Hopefully I can produce more fun between them as they work together. I have been enjoying the interaction between Aurora and Whitegrazer. ))

Having repaired the auto-guns on top of the Axalon, Rhinox grabbed all of his equipment and tools, lugging them over his shoulder and in his arm as he used his free hand to help hold on to the ladder while climbing back down into the command center from the roof hatch. Putting the stuff away in another room not far down the corridor, he grabbed a rag to wipe off the oil and grease from his hands as he returned to the bridge and glanced at the scanners and communication consoles. Still silent. What was taking Optimus, Rattrap and Blackarachnia so long? He was beginning to worry. After all they were in Predacon territory and chasing Zodiac, which is quite a feat for two Maximals and a Predacon who betrayed Megatron. Not that the chief engineer doubted their ability to accomplish such a mission, but the odds were not in their favor considering the enemies.

-----

I know you will be careful. After all, partnerships with Megatron usually end with him pulling something.

As predictable as that is, his true intentions are always unpredictable, Optimus had returned to Whitegrazer thoughtfully as he held her hand. It almost felt as though it really was in his hand. So much so that while he stood next to Megatron, he glanced down at his hand to see if her's was there. But it wasn't. Not physically, anyway, only in their bond that existed on another plane... if that's how it worked. He still wasn't quite sure. Nevertheless, he was overjoyed to be communicating with her again.

What happened in the Darksyde?

From my understanding, Zodiac attacked Megatron nearly killing him, and he stole Rampage's spark. Rattrap and Blackarachnia apprehended Zodiac but the Predacons found all of them causing them to be separated. Then some sort of glitch in their computer had their defenses targeting everyone. They're working on rectifying the problem, Primal had explained to her. There was nothing he could tell her about the well-being of any of the Predacons, including Nemesis, since he didn't know. Not yet anyway.

A vessel? Zodiac has a vessel?

A stolen vessel, yes, Optimus clarified. It was entrusted to Nexus Prime's crew. ((OOC: If I'm remembering that correctly, Phoenix. It gets confusing when Zodiac arrived with the other ship.)) There was a faint bitterness in his tone. Nexus' death was still too painful to him to ignore it, but day after day he was progressively accepting it more and more. Time heals all wounds eventually, especially the ones that no one could do anything about.

I could try and contact Zodiac, if you wish. Maybe I could talk to him. He might not be forthcoming, but if I could talk to him, maybe I could figure out what he is hoping to accomplish?

No, he immediately ordered Whitegrazer with a firm voice. Then, just as quickly, it was softer as he added, Not yet. He'll suspect something is up. At the moment, he's unaware that we know about the Viper.

Rampage? It makes sense. X, I mean, Rampage has just turned into slave for Megatron. If Zodiac got the other half of Rampage's spark, Rampage would be freed from Megatron. I will tell Rhinox and the others.

We may require reinforcements, he agreed with her informing the others of the current situation. However, the location was yet to be determined until they could follow Zodiac to the Viper and Rampage.

Aurora and I are making a brig which would hold Zodiac.... if you capture him. Aurora created a substance that could do just that. She has become quite the inventor as of late.

A somber smile had crossed Primal's scarred mouth as he stood before Whitegrazer in his robot mode even though he was in his beast mode beside Megatron near the Darksyde. The measures they were taking to make a cell in the brig Zodiac-proof definitely sounded worth while, but how they were even going to capture him wasn't even in Primal's cards yet. He wanted to, but Megatron also wanted to kill him, along with Nemesis. How could Optimus prevent that from happening when both Predacons were surely seeking the renegade's destruction once and for all? Clever. She's very creative and inquisitive, which are two valuable ingredients for a scientist and an inventor, he had replied with so much confidence in the little Fuzor before their link had been severed. He could relate to those qualities even though his had lead him down the wrong path. He swore to himself to keep Aurora's future brighter than his past had been. Although she seemed to have a better grip on her morals and ethics than he did back then. His gave him enemies. Very powerful enemies. One of which even managed to track him down and tried making him kill his entire crew before trying to exterminate him too. Plus he murdered his mentor, a decorated war veteran who was far more capable of stopping Zodiac than Optimus was. How could Primal stand a chance against the shape shifter? Despite how powerful Megatron was, he had found the confidence in himself by now to put him on an even plane with the Predacon warlord even if the tyrant wouldn't admit it. And let's not forget the other experiment Optimus had been involved with at the helm; Protoform X, or Rampage as he was called now. Another threat he had helped create and ended up putting his entire crew in danger with his escape. No, Optimus refused to allow Aurora to make the same mistakes he did.

"At once,"

Megatron made a quiet, deep inhale to Nemesis' response, but he was confident in her reacquiring control over the situation. He just wanted it sooner rather than later.

"Sorry for the hold up, boys."

Two very different reactions greeted the black widow when she approached them outside. Optimus' was one of relief and calmness, while Megatron's was one of disgust and anger. His fingers curled into fists at his sides as he hungrily wanted to destroy her and export the information he was sure she had in her processor. Did Optimus even know about it? He couldn't have. If he did, he would've taken bigger measures by now to prevent Megatron from doing the impossible. So why was she keeping the secrets to herself? For her own agenda? She couldn't possibly have one because other than those data tracks, she had nothing!

"Those autoguns didn't seem to like me very much.

"The feeling appears to be mutual no matter who you take advantage of to find refuge with," Megatron commented with a sneer as he stood tall over everyone there in his robot mode. Of course his height only boosted his ego and misguided confidence among them.

Primal glanced up at him with a glare of warning, which Megatron took notice and rolled his optics in contempt. Normally Rattrap was the one with the snide comments, but he had already taken off to track the pretender. Speaking to the black widow he assured her, "I'm certain they can get easily confused in a place with that much treachery happening behind closed doors." There was a small amount of joy that Optimus gained from making Megatron even more paranoid about his troops than he already was. And that's probably how he would read into the Maximal leader's comment. But Optimus was merely casting a light-hearted rebuttal toward the rude accusation Megatron had made at Blackarachnia.

Now Megatron was the one to cast a glare down at the gorilla with an added growl in his throat. He could imagine how long this truce was going to take to bring down Zodiac once and for all. To rectify yet another one of Primal's mistakes. The fool. It was his fault the shape shifter was there in the first place.

So what's the plan?"

Optimus spoke up before Megatron had a chance to, assuming the Predacon wanted to take control at all. But Primal had a feeling he was going to take a back seat on this until a time would arise for Megatron to steal an opportunity and take over. "Regroup," he answered Blackarachnia. "Quickly," he added as he glanced at Megaton again as an indication to get his Predacons in gear. "We're going to follow Zodiac by the tracker on his wrist." Optimus observed the coordinates on the remote's tiny screen that were still updating the further the distance was between them. "Rattrap is already en route, so we must hurry." Leaping into the air, he activated his hoverboard and motioned Blackarachnia to hop on. Whether she wanted the Viper for herself or not, she would need his speed to get there because there wasn't a single Predacon who was going to offer her a ride. However, they needed to wait for the Preds because they had no way of tracking Zodiac to his destination, and Optimus was not going to hand them the remote to those cuffs that were made out of that special material that Aurora had created. "And I should probably mention that we're currently in a truce with your former friends here," he told Blackarachnia.

Megatron merely grinned mischievously at her when Optimus said that, and his optics "glazed over" with betrayal and death in the near future. Just how long is she going to trust her insignificant life with these pathetic Maximals? he pondered. It was a waste of time and energy in his opinion. If he couldn't manage to kill her, certainly Tarantulas would. Where was that treacherous arachnid, anyway?

Terrorsaur lifted his hands over the controls once the computer system rebooted and turned back on ready to defend himself in case it hadn't fixed the problem. But Nemesis was right this time, and everything seemed to be back to normal. "Phew," he said to himself and sighed in relief. What a pain in the skid plate that was. But since it was so easy to fix, he was sure that it had been done only to keep them preoccupied while someone got away. Megatron probably wasn't going to be happy about this, and he didn't look forward to seeing him. "I think our systems are functioning normally again," he announced to his comrades over his comm. link.

"Systems operating normally," "What is the next phase in your plan?"

"Excellent, Sub-commander," Megatron praised Nemesis when her voice came through their transmission with the update. At least that was one less thing to worry about now. Of course later would come all of the repairs, but those kept his underlings busy and out of his way. "The next phase is to reconvene on my position immediately. All of you," he directed to his Predacons as he opened all of the radio channels and sent them his coordinates that were just beyond their base's perimeter outside. "Zodiac is on the move, and we have no time to waste."

"Yes, my Queen!" Inferno happily announced.

The label that the red ant used made Megatron grumble intolerably under his breath.

"On our way, Boss-bot!" Quickstrike said as he started to recover from his injuries. At least none of them had sustained any fatal wounds that required the CR for repairs. He and Inferno loyally made haste to meet their commanding officer. Even though Inferno was probably just blindly ecstatic that Megatron was all right, Quickstrike couldn't help but wonder what their boss was doing outside. How long had he been out there?

"As you wish, Mighty Megatron," Terrorsaur obliged. He swooped down to the command center's exit and headed for the Darksyde's main outlet. Like the Predacon Fuzor, he wondered what Megatron was up to. And was this a trap to meet him outside? Something weird was going on here. Why was he out there in the first place? And why didn't he sound more upset about Zodiac escaping and them not finding Rampage? Was it really Megatron, or was it Zodiac? The flier was hesitant to just walk out there alone, so he waited for Nemesis before moving forward.

"Hang on now," the smallest Predacon said as he and Inferno approached the group that was comprised of the Maximal leader and the black widow traitor. "What the slag is this?!" His cobra head hissed at the two infidels next to Megatron.

"Optimus Primal, and the traitor! I will defend you, Royalty!" the pyro proclaimed as he wielded his large weapon and targeted the two threats. They were obviously holding him captive! ...Without using their weapons...

Optimus grew concerned with their hostility and weapons drawn so eager to harm them, but he was ready to protect Blackarachnia and showed no aggression while hovering there a few feet off of the ground. Fortunately, Megatron spoke up before any blood was shed.

"Enough! Settle down, you fools!" Megatron yelled at them as he saw Terrorsaur and Nemesis approaching as well. "I have established a cease fire with the Maximals in order to be more effective in Zodiac's capture. We are certain he will not be expecting this kind of cooperation. We allowed him to escape because he is going to lead us to Rampage and whatever else he might be conjuring against us without our knowledge. Do you understand?"

Terrorsaur landed near Inferno and squinted a skeptical optic at Megatron. "How do we know it's really you and not Zodiac?" he demanded to know.

"We watched Zodiac flee in that direction," Optimus answered and pointed to the sky. "And there aren't many disguises he can take on without giving himself away because of those bonds Rattrap applied to him."

"Satisfied?" Megatron inquired to the TransMetal 'dactyl.

Embarrassed and outraged that they had to work with these low-life Maximals, Terrorsaur's upper lip curled in disgust and he looked away from them for a moment. Surely, Megatron must have had alternative motives to this cease fire. He would never manifest one for the pure enjoyment on reducing them all to working with these Care Bear Maximals. It was despicable. Was Megatron losing his nerve? Was he going soft?

Reverting to his beast mode, Megatron looked upon his troops and warned them, "I will not tolerate any insubordinate threats among my ranks toward the Maximals, nor will I advocate ruining our chances to end this frequent paranoia that Zodiac has set upon both allegiances with my crew being unable to follow orders. Do I make myself clear?" he asked his Predacons sternly as his vibrant, pink eyes measured each of their expressions. He wasn't too concerned about Nemesis and certainly not Inferno, or Quickstrike, but Terrorsaur might prove to be the biggest objector. For some reason, he was the most difficult to instill with fear. His actions in the past had proven to be very Starscream-like by trying to overthrow him and undermine him. Perhaps Megatron's punishments with him had been too lenient. If he were to screw up again, Megatron would have to be much more unforgiving and make an example out of him.

Terrorsaur only nodded despite hating this idea. Why do we need their help anyway? he wondered sourly.

Inferno saluted their Queen in full compliance, while Quickstrike said with an intimidated voice, "Sure thang, Boss." Then he looked at Inferno, and demanded from him, "Gimme a ride. I ain't walkin'."

Although the ant wasn't one to take orders from the Fuzor, he knew the Royalty was in haste, so he allowed the smaller Predacon to climb on to him like he had during past flights before he activated his engine with the blades opening and rotating ready to blast off.

"Shall we?" Megatron asked Primal rhetorically while he also ignited his twin engines.

As vulnerable as it was to have the Predacon fleet following them from behind which would give them every opportunity to shoot them down, Optimus trusted them to maintain the truce since only he knew where to find Zodiac with the locator on the remote. The Maximal blasted off with Blackarachnia on his hoverboard, leading them toward their destination.

Megatron followed closely behind as he motioned Nemesis with his small, t-rex arm to join him by his side while Inferno with Quickstrike and Terrorsaur brought up the rear.

Rattrap meanwhile did his best to keep up with Zodiac in the sky from the ground. He was fast and agile, but it appeared as though that one cuff still attached to his wrist was keeping him from shifting to his top speed. How unfortunate for him and beneficial to the rat with wheels. The rodent kept his distance so that the pretender wouldn't hear his engine as he sped after him from below, weaving and dodging obstacles on the ground that got in his way. Rattrap knew that if Optimus and the others were delayed with their arrival, then he'd have to be the one to distract Zodiac and Rampage in order to keep them from escaping, assuming the ship was even operational. During his travel, he almost lost sight of the murderer from the canopy of forests he drove through, and he fell behind a little bit, but just before he was about to lose him on the horizon as Zodiac descended, Rattrap's sharp vision caught a glimpse of his small, black, contrasting form against the light-blue sky, so he pressed forward to eventually catch up.

As he neared the area where Zodiac had flown down to, he cut his engine and cruised around quietly while zeroing in on their location with his sense of smell. He also picked up a strong scent of water and wet soil. Great. Wait a minute. Is that why he needed Rampage's help? He was only one capable of submerging his body in water for an unlimited amount of time and withstanding the pressure of deep water. If the Viper had landed or crashed into a body of water, then the crab was Zodiac's best option to pull it out with his size and strength, especially in his tank mode. Rattrap hurried along through the thick, lush tree line as he closed in on them...

(( OOC: I hope I didn't get too far ahead in presuming Nem and BA would follow along with the rest. I just wanted to keep things rolling in a timely manner here since there is much more to accomplish. ))

[una]

((OOC: How did I not see that? Oops, sorry about OOP!))

Rampage had taken a small nap as he waited for Zodiac to return. Before that, he had been "playing" around with some smaller prey to feast upon as well as quench his spark's inherit and instinctive need to squish or kill something, to ignore the nightmares that plagued his thoughts, to silence his needs for a time as he prepared to return to Cybertron and show everyone the pain he had suffered and endured. His half of a spark felt the approaching other half, awaking him from his slumber. He transformed and waited as he spotted Zodiac descending in another form unlike the last time he saw him when he shapeshifted into looking like Rampage himself.

"Great job, partner," he commended him on his achievement, "But we need to hurry before the others arrive. You will be pleased to know that Megatron has paid dearly for what he did to you and he will no longer be an obstacle in our way."

"Ah! Good. Though, I regret the fact that I won't be able to feast upon his spark." Rampage's mouth smiled, but it came off as more than a sneer as he despised the purple tin tyrant for making him a slave to his wishes. But yet, he was in a way still a slave, a slave to Zodiac's will. Oh he knew Zodiac needed him because of his powerful might against anyone who opposed them, but how long would that last?

"I did run into some trouble, as you can see.. Do you mind breaking this thing off?"

Rampage saw the cuffs and gripped them, but he didn't break them. Rampage looked at Zodiac with a smile, "Oh, I wish mine were so easy to break off. Also, I do so hate to see that my companion can't be with us. No doubt you had no time for her, did you? Oh, that's right. You must have been overwhelmed." Rampage didn't like the fact that his companion wasn't here with them. Not only that..."You can help with that, though. You have the other half of my spark. Give it to me, and I will be in your debt. After all, you are not like Megatron, are you?" Rampage pulled the cuffs a little, lifting Zodiac off the ground a bit.

"You shouldn't be so quick to judge that which you have no idea about,"

"Or maybe I have more of an idea about it than you realize..." Blackarachnia chuckled. She wasn't stupid. She saw it. She saw it deep inside Nemesis' cold, piercing optics, something within the female blackbird reeked with the Maximal taint that Blackarachnia tried to scrap off herself. Nemesis hide it well, but how long before Megatron notices hers? How long could Nemesis keep going on> Oh, Blackarachnia was sure that Decepticon heritage of hers no doubt helped her. Blackarachnia knew her own origins were Maximal, but just because she was a Maximal born protoform didn't mean she held any type of longing for such a heritage. Just be careful, Nemesis, from one bad girl to another, I wouldn't want you to delude yourself into believing that Megatron's goals are your own salvation or your kinds. Piece of advice, you better leave. Or , you know, you could actually help me out. We can escape this war, go sightseeing, raid people, you name it. Better than serving an megalomaniac or even worse losing yourself. "

And you seem so eager to dig deeper too,"

"Well, life wouldn't be as exciting or thrilling if there wasn't any danger to it." she winked at Nemesis when the autoguns started firing at them.

Blackarachnia had made her way outside and regrouped with Optimus, Megatron, and Rattrap. She noticed the polar opposite reactions from the two respected leaders. Optimus seemed relieved by her presence, which she didn't know how to respond to as it wasn't a type of greeting she was used to, and Megatron looked at her full of rage and contempt, which she was used to. "It's good to see you two getting along. she stared at Megatron as she said those words, tilting her head and smirked. It was dangerus of her to be poking the dragon as it were, but Optimus and Rattrap were here to make sure nothing happened to her, and Megatron had Zodiac to deal with, so he would just have to save his little schemes for her for another time. But that didn't mean she would turn her back on Megatron for one second.

The feeling appears to be mutual no matter who you take advantage of to find refuge with,"

"So how about you, Megs? You look awful well for a bot who almost got ripped to shreds," Blackarachnia stared intently inside Megatron's lavendar optics. "I won't forget the look of your face." She wanted Megatron to know that she saw what happened to him. Let him know that she saw him sweat, squeezing Rampage's spark only to findout that it was Zodiac, priceless, that she saw him in one split second stare death in the face, clawing desperately for life. Megatron carried himself with an air of pompous dignity, and now, in her optics, he lost it. And she will not forget that nor let him.

I'm certain they can get easily confused in a place with that much treachery happening behind closed doors." T

Blackarachnia let out a laugh, but then she caught herself, clearing her throat. "Well, it was originally a Maximal ship. Maybe it's gotten wise." Blackarachnia crossed her arms, smirking at Megatron.

"Regroup," he answered Blackarachnia. "Quickly," he added as he glanced at Megaton again as an indication to get his Predacons in gear. "We're going to follow Zodiac by the tracker on his wrist." Optimus observed the coordinates on the remote's tiny screen that were still updating the further the distance was between them. "Rattrap is already en route, so we must hurry."

"Well, I guess then," Blackarachnia sat on the edge of Optimus' board. "we better move before Zodiac and his new serial killer friend leave us high and dry.

"And I should probably mention that we're currently in a truce with your former friends here,"

Blackarachnia reloaded her weapons as they waited for her former friends, "Keyword there is former." Blackarachnia said it low with a little growl. Whatever bridges she had, she had burnt them to the ground. Her talk with Nemesis revealed that much to her.

"Hang on now," the smallest Predacon said as he and Inferno approached the group that was comprised of the Maximal leader and the black widow traitor. "What the slag is this?!"

"Hello there, cowboy," Blackarachnia said with a wink, blowing him a kiss before laughing.

"How do we know it's really you and not Zodiac?"

"Yes, Terrorsaur, shoot him and see how well that turns out for you." She rolled her optics, but a part of her wishe dTerrosaur was that stupid.

"Do you think they can cure it?,"

"They could, if they know what they are dealing with." Whitegrazer nodded, but then she became thoughtful. "Hopefully, if they do find a cure, they would include me."

She never really thought of the prospect of her people withholding the cure from her. She sighed to herself. Was she really that naive? What does stop them from abandoning her to her fate like they did before? Even TyCross remained silent to her, her own mentor.

"Help them? I hope you haven't forgotten everything they tried to do to us.. to you.. and this planet,"

"I know, but they are still my people. I... still hold some hope that they can change their methods." Hoo boy. She could see it in Aurora's eyes, the same eyes she had seen before.

She was naive, wasn't she?

But she couldn't allow herself to quit. She had faith in her people, and despite their ruthless nature, they weren't above seeing reason. After all, they didn't seem keen to destroy the planet, and that was a point in their favor, even if they might still try to kill them. One step at a time, one step at a time.

"Hiding within a shell isn't the way to do it,"

Was she really hiding? Maybe, but she had her reasons for that. She might be Cybertronian but she was also a Vok. There were some things she had to be wary of. Not to protect herself, but to protect others.

"We weren't even here before to cause any problems with their experiment, so to speak, so why would they have killed everything on this planet off several times already?," the fuzor then demanded, not doing anything to hide her annoyance. "Life deserves a chance to evolve without constantly being interrupted by a race that enjoys playing godly beings."

"My people want nothing short of perfection. They were failing in their experiments, and when the Axalon and the Darksyde crashed landed here, we only complicated things for them." That was the truth, or what she could peel away from when they possessed her, when they captured her inside Nexus Zero. Their plans for Earth failed over and over again. They restarted the planet over and over, and hoped to see the solution to their problem. To correct a failure, a mistake, their mistake. "We made a mistake, a grave one. They are trying to correct it, to redeem themselves. That was the purpose we given ourselves, the one bestowed upon us. We are not gods, but I guess, in a way, to other species, we can be viewed that way. We don't want to be, though. We aren't seeking destruction or omnipotence. We seek retribution, redemption, and... order." Whitegrazer sighed to herself. "They are just as hardheaded as I was. I'm hoping that they don't have to see things as hard and terrifying as I had to before I had to change my thoght processes about my purpose here on Cybertron."

"Would it truly have made a difference?,"

"Maybe, maybe not." Whitegrazer said truthfully. "We will never know."

"But why him?,"

"It is nothing against Optimus." Whitegrazer reassured Aurora. "They seem more receptive towards him, even if it is only a fraction or a warning. If it had been anyone else, they wouldn't have had warned us of what was to come until it was too late. But because Optimus Primal is related to Optimus Prime, they thought to hear him out or at least let him speak his peace, even if went in one ear and out the other." Whitegrazer reminded herself that they didn't have ears, but it was analogy so it worked for what she was communicating to the little one. "I just wished my own people would have talked to me, and spared Optimus some of what they subjected him to."

"They haven't been overly receptive to talking thus far,"

Aurora, Optimus, both said the same thing to her, and they were right. Her own people didn't seem keen to talk, despite everything.

Even now, they remained silent.

But she hoped they would change their mind.

As predictable as that is, his true intentions are always unpredictable,

Whitegrazer had felt Optimus' hand on hers and it gave her comfort in what she was being told by Optimus and his situation on the Darksyde and the truce between him and Megatron as well as her conversation with Aurora and about her people. Two conversations that hold great effect on her. she placed her other hand over top of Optimus and smiled up at him. She knew Optimus wouldn't let his guard with Megatron, and even if he did, she knew Rattrap would never let Megatron grab an inch.

From my understanding, Zodiac attacked Megatron nearly killing him, and he stole Rampage's spark. Rattrap and Blackarachnia apprehended Zodiac but the Predacons found all of them causing them to be separated. Then some sort of glitch in their computer had their defenses targeting everyone. They're working on rectifying the problem,

No doubt Zodiac had a hand in that. The development about Zodiac holding Rampage's spark gave her great pause. Zodiac is playing a very dangerous game there with pairing up with Rampage.

A stolen vessel, yes, Optimus clarified. It was entrusted to Nexus Prime's crew.

So Zodiac got another vessel from Nexus Prime? Did... was that the reason he came back to the Axalon, so he could find out where that ship was? Did whatever he take from that seceret compartment hold the coordinates, and it was right under their noses? She shook her head at this turn of events. She felt the bitterness inside Optimus, the stain of his mentor's death still rang inside his spark. It was dull, but she knew it still ached him. And she felt that ache and nodded in understanding. Saying nothing but her face, washed with sorrow, and with some guilt, said everything. I can't believe there was another ship hidden here. I wonder what else is being hidden from us.

No, he immediately ordered Whitegrazer with a firm voice. Then, just as quickly, it was softer as he added, Not yet. He'll suspect something is up. At the moment, he's unaware that we know about the Viper.

She knew the answer even before she even asked her question. It was a dangerous, she was aware, but no harm in asking. Maybe it was a good thing she didn't. You make a good point there. I don't want to give him anymore advantages then he already has.

We may require reinforcements

Rhinox, Aurora, and I will see what we can do. Since Megatron and his Predacons, Zodiac and Rampage, aren't unaware of us three, we might be able to use that to our advantage.

Clever. She's very creative and inquisitive, which are two valuable ingredients for a scientist and an inventor,

Whitegrazer smiled and nodded about Aurora, but her thoughts went to Zodiac. She still hoped to have Zodiac captured and brought back to the Axalon, and with some reinforcements from the three of them, they probably could do it, if the Predacons didn't get in the way. She knew Optimus didn't think of it as likely, but she still hoped. Hoped like she did with both the plight with the Maximals and Predacons and her people. After Optimus severed the link, she continued to think about what Zodiac attempted to do and with a stolen vessel like that. Leave the planet, yes, but still, the matter with Optimus, he was willing to leave without accomplishing it? Hmm. Also, she wondered what he wanted to do with that ship and with Rampage as his helper? Go back to Cybertron? There had to be more to it.

"Okay, I think we're just about done here. Let's go."

Whitegrazer helped in picking up the equipment and once they were through packing and storeing them away, she headed towards bridge with Aurora. She saw Rhinox climbing back down from top of the Axalon. He probably fixed the autoguns. Hopefully, they wouldn't have to use them anytime soon. "Rhinox, Optimus has communicated with me." She smiled and reassured both Rhinox and Aurora. "Optimus, Blackarachnia, Rattrap are okay. They even got Aurora's id chip back undamaged." Aurora knew this, but she knew Rhinox would feel much better knowing that piece of information also. "But they ran in to a few more problems. It seems Zodiac stroke a deal with Rampage. He attacked Megatron and stole Rampage's other half of his spark. Rattrap and Blackarachnia apprehended Zodiac, but with the distraction of the Predacons, it seems he escaped. He is making his way to the Viper where I believe Rampage is there also. Megatron and the Predacons along with our comrades are following Zodiac now to the coordinates. Once they found the ship, they might need our help."

[Phoenix]

(ooc: Many apologies for my slowness. I actually just got discharged today from the hospital after a 3 day stay for a serious health problem brought on by the new birth control pills my doctor put me on.. it ended up giving me clots in the lungs so yeah.. Life has been rough. But I'm home now and will be working on a post tomorrow when I regain consciousness.. my room mate in the hospital was a demented lady in her late 80s with many behaviors so yeah.. I need sleep.. again sorry but health comes first!)

Zodiac paid close attention to every move the large crab made, especially as he moved closer to him and practically towered over him in this form. His own form, true, but still smaller than he would normally be. And even at his regular height, the crab would still be a larger presence than him. Zodiac was taller than the average transformer, true, but he wasn't built as bulky as the likes of Rhinox or even Primal himself. His creators had favored stealth, speed, intellect, and of course his more unique abilities. Still, even with those abilities mostly having been returned to him, he remained keenly aware of how dangerous the crab could be.

It wasn't that he knew the crab personally. He knew of the rumors, of course, and had seen some details about the nature of this beast through the journal that was now the last remaining remnant of the once so respected and powerful Nexus Prime. The project may have been run by Optimus himself, but Nexus had always been involved.. Lingering in the background, overseeing his pet pupil. The two of them had a bond that could seemingly not be broken, no matter how hard the renegade and others had tried. Yet now they were both gone. A pity, almost, that Zodiac hadn't gotten to partake in Primal's demise like he had originally planned. But no matter, he would get his chance soon enough when he was back on Cybertron. And he would make sure to make it glorious.

First, however, he would have to make sure he'd be able to control the ferocious beast hovering over him.

"Ah! Good. Though, I regret the fact that I won't be able to feast upon his spark."

A slight, somewhat teasing, grin appeared on the shapeshifter's face. "Oh, don't you worry.. Come with me and you will have another chance at doing just that. Of course Megatron will not recognize you when we arrive on Cybertron, but that shouldn't take away from the deliciousness of the act I suppose.."

Yes, he realized his words sounded cryptic, especially since he hadn't elaborated on his plans much to his newfound partner. But all in good time. They needed to hurry, after all, as it wouldn't take the remaining Predacons long to come after them.

Given the fact his companion did not appear hostile, Zodiac decided to risk the chance and let him deal with the remaining bond that was still wrapped around his wrist. Besides there really wasn't much the giant crab could do to cause harm. The renegade still held the spark in his possession, and while he did not enjoy pain he could easily repair any damage done to him. And he was doing the crab a favor, removing him from Megatron's clutches and promising a future of relative freedom to do what he was designed to do.. To wreak chaos and inflict pain upon those who got in his way.

"Oh, I wish mine were so easy to break off. Also, I do so hate to see that my companion can't be with us. No doubt you had no time for her, did you? Oh, that's right. You must have been overwhelmed."

The crab's large hands entangled themselves around the single remaining cuff, almost embracing it, and then the grip tightened. At that moment Zodiac almost second-guessed himself, feeling the crab's strength and unpredictable nature this close was indeed causing some intimidation. Frankly.. that was more than likely the beast's intent. And much to his frustration it was working.

"After Megatron's demise, the Predacons focused their attention on me. It didn't take them long to realize you and I were working together, so they increased their focus on your friend as well. But do not fret, since we can easily use the Viper to destroy them and bring her bac.."

His words faltered as he felt the grip around his wrist tighten some more, and then his arm was pulled upwards and stretched to the point where his entire body got lifted off the ground.

"You can help with that, though. You have the other half of my spark. Give it to me, and I will be in your debt. After all, you are not like Megatron, are you?"

The question was loaded. No, the renegade didn't consider himself to be like Megatron. He was better. Thus far he considered the crab an ally.. or at the very least a subordinate to replace those he had lost. He didn't wish to inflict pain on the beast, but if pushed far enough he still wouldn't hesitate to do so. His motives may have been different than the tyrant's had been, but while he wished for Rampage to come along willingly of his own free will, he was certainly not opposed to forcing him if needs be.

Getting more than a little uncomfortable, and honestly a little bit frantic by this turn of events, Zodiac found himself struggling a bit against the larger bot's strength. Rampage, as his name was now, was obviously going to be difficult to manage. Still, he held the upper hand. He had the spark.

"You're no fool," the renegade admitted as his squirming grew just a tad, "But nor am I. Yes, I will give you the spark.. But only after we have departed this planet. " He still needed him.. And his obedience. Zodiac was well aware of the crab's tendency to commit acts of violence and his unpredictable nature. He knew of the colony that had been wiped out of existence by the beast's savagery. And that is exactly why he intended to use him to wreck more chaos.

"Kill me.. or try to harm me.. and that spark will be lost to you forever. "


It was a half truth at best, but Rampage couldn't know for sure that the renegade physically had the spark in his possession just yet. Still.. He resisted the urge to pull out the spark in its contraption to use it against the beast. Such a move would be too risky while they were this close, and he couldn't let the crab get what he wanted since it would be foolish to give away his bargaining chip. A lesson might have to be given if the crab insisted on pushing the limits of the renegade's generosity.

Upon reaching a point where he felt his own existence was at risk, Zodiac brought his free arm up to the other one that was Rampage was gripping via the cuff. The hand started to shimmer, the shape changing to that of a sharp dagger, and Zodiac proceeded to use this weapon to cut through the bonds the crab had snagged. It was an act of desperation, sadly, and part of him was angry with himself for not having done this in the first place instead of foolishly trusting the crab. Now he was forced into a position where the dagger cut into his wrist as well as the bracelet, extracting a pained grimace from the shapeshifter while he hurriedly cut through the bond so he could drop back down to the ground.

His wrist ached, the metal getting cut by the edges of the weapon, and the same shimmering substance appeared in the wound created there as well. But fortunately his frantic move worked and the bracelet snapped from the added strain, allowing the renegade to drop to the ground with a hiss. His hand immediately changed shape back to its normal self, fingers replacing the sharp weapon, and the digits swiftly wrapped around his seemingly bleeding wrist. As it did, he also grew larger to his standard size. He was still smaller than the crab, true, but at least he felt better.

Angered optics settled on the crab as he stood up straight, only barely keeping his annoyance in check. He considered using the spark against his newfound ally, he honestly did, but decided against it at the last possible moment. After all, a willing participant would be easier to manipulate to do his bidding. But this was the only chance the crab was going to get to behave himself.

"Don't push me again," the renegade told his partner, giving him the only warning he intended to give.

"Or maybe I have more of an idea about it than you realize..."

Nemesis sighed inwardly at the she-spider's attitude. Now she was just getting reckless, willing to gamble on a game she would end up losing in the end. She may have joined the Maximals, but in doing so she certainly made enemies of her old comrades. And a betrayed Predacon was a dangerous one..

Just be careful, Nemesis, from one bad girl to another, I wouldn't want you to delude yourself into believing that Megatron's goals are your own salvation or your kinds. Piece of advice, you better leave. Or , you know, you could actually help me out. We can escape this war, go sightseeing, raid people, you name it. Better than serving an megalomaniac or even worse losing yourself. "

The avian female had aimed her weapon at the spider for uttering those words, but she held her fire at the last moment.

"It's a matter of protecting our future," the transmetal bird grumbled, not caring to elaborate further on her reasoning. But the way she saw it, Megatron held the key to saving the Decepticons and thus also the future Predacons. The tyrant had showed her the recording of the original Megatron's plan, one that would help alter the course of history and turn the Decepticons into the winning party. Alas, the spider did have a point. Nemesis was looking for justice for her kind, for a future that didn't involve the oppression she had been put through prior to arriving on pre-historic Earth.

"But I suppose your Maximal spark will forever override your Predacon programming so that you will never see the Predacon cause for what it is."

And you seem so eager to dig deeper too,"

Nemesis had turned to leave in a different direction, frankly finding the spider too obnoxious to want to spend time around her any longer. But upon hearing those words she clutched her weapon more tightly again.

"It would be wise of you to leave now," the transmetal bird warned the other female while fighting the urge to turn around and shoot each of her legs off in turn. Megatron had ordered that the intruders were allowed to leave, for whatever reason, and Nemesis was trying to honor that order now. Hard as it was.

And then the autoguns started firing, forcing Nemesis to lose sight of the other female while working on disabling the weapon.

"Well, life wouldn't be as exciting or thrilling if there wasn't any danger to it."

Or short.., Nemesis thought to herself when she got a chance to glance back, only to find the female spider gone.

Good riddance, widow, may your traitorous hide stay clear of any fusion cannons in the upcoming war.

After the situation with the autoguns had been dealt with, Nemesis went outside to join up with Megatron and the others. She stopped a short distance away, eyeing the odd sight that greeted her there. The tyrant was standing only a short distance from.. Optimus. While part of her was relieved to see the ape still functional, she still found the sight of the two of them in such close proximity without any weapons being discharged to be.. peculiar at best.

BlackArachnia was there as well, but Nemesis chose to ignore her for now. She'd had enough of the spider's attitude to last a while.

"Enough! Settle down, you fools!" Megatron yelled at them as he saw Terrorsaur and Nemesis approaching as well. "I have established a cease fire with the Maximals in order to be more effective in Zodiac's capture. We are certain he will not be expecting this kind of cooperation. We allowed him to escape because he is going to lead us to Rampage and whatever else he might be conjuring against us without our knowledge. Do you understand?"

So that's what this was all about.. A truce to bring down Zodiac, who no doubt had both Rampage and who knew what other surprises waiting. Nemesis hesitantly holstered her weapons as she approached the tyrant and his new companion. Of course Terrorsaur couldn't simply let it go, and Nemesis sent him a glare as the pterodactyl did what he could to provoke their leader.. as per norm. Fortunately she didn't have to come to his rescue this time, as Megatron was quick to cut the protests down.

"I will not tolerate any insubordinate threats among my ranks toward the Maximals, nor will I advocate ruining our chances to end this frequent paranoia that Zodiac has set upon both allegiances with my crew being unable to follow orders. Do I make myself clear?"

"Perfectly clear," the avian female responded, certainly not being one to attack the Maximals against Megatron's direct orders. In fact she was in a sense relieved she didn't have to attack them. They may have been sworn enemies of the Predacons, but she'd gotten to spend time with them a few times. And she held more respect towards a few of the Maximals than she did certain of the Predacons. Still, she couldn't let her own personal feelings get in the way of the job she had to do. Megatron was going to show them the correct path. Of that she had no doubt. But hopefully something could be done to spare at least certain of the Maximal's lives in the oncoming conflict.

There would be one, no doubt. No fragile truce between these two factions could hold in the long run. She understood this was a business deal between the leaders to bring down someone who had turned on them both, and to her that's all that was important right now.

She was about to offer to scout ahead when she noticed the rodent driving off into the distance. Well then.. It would seem they were indeed right on the traitor's trail.

Once Megatron took off, Nemesis took off right behind him and followed closely behind. After settling into position, she opened a private com link to the tyrant.

"When we've arrived at our destination, what are your orders? I think it's a fair bet that Primal will never agree to simply hand the traitor over to us."

"They could, if they know what they are dealing with." Whitegrazer nodded, but then she became thoughtful. "Hopefully, if they do find a cure, they would include me."

Aurora was a bit more hesitant, not quite so sure the Vok would have any interest in saving any of them.. including Whitegrazer.. after the way she had thwarted their plans.

"Do they still need and want you to help them?," the fuzor questioned, still not sure how these Vok could have exiled one of their own, only to try to use her against her new allies. In a sense it was comforting to think that the Vok still cared about Whitegrazer, but it was also terrifying like nothing else.

"I know, but they are still my people. I... still hold some hope that they can change their methods."

"No..," Aurora protested, a bit more quietly than before, "We are your people. Or better yet.. We're your family. And family sticks together, right? I hope you're not considering ever going back to them."

That would break a lot of sparks among the Maximals, especially Primal's and Aurora's.

"My people want nothing short of perfection. They were failing in their experiments, and when the Axalon and the Darksyde crashed landed here, we only complicated things for them."

And that is where Aurora disagreed with the Vok philosophy on a fundamental level. Sure, she sought to perfect her work too, as far as it was possible, but she would never go to such extremes to do so. And frankly the thought that the Vok could so easily dismiss all the beauty of creation and wipe it from existence just like that, was provocative at best. Those little nuances were what made life so unique and worth protecting.

"Life should never emerge via a perfectly scripted set of events. If given the chance to exist, I'm sure the life on this planet would thrive. With or without our meddling."

"We made a mistake, a grave one. They are trying to correct it, to redeem themselves. That was the purpose we given ourselves, the one bestowed upon us. We are not gods, but I guess, in a way, to other species, we can be viewed that way. We don't want to be, though. We aren't seeking destruction or omnipotence. We seek retribution, redemption, and... order." "They are just as hardheaded as I was. I'm hoping that they don't have to see things as hard and terrifying as I had to before I had to change my thoght processes about my purpose here on Cybertron."

"But why not just let the mistake remain? In time I'm sure it will correct itself," the fuzor protested, sounding a bit frustrated. "It is not their mistake to correct any more!"

As a bit of a biologist, Aurora couldn't imagine the horrors that must have been bestowed upon the living beings of this and other planets by the Vok in the past. And she certainly did not want to see it ever happen in the future.

"Would it truly have made a difference?,"

"Maybe, maybe not." Whitegrazer said truthfully. "We will never know."

Aurora sighed. This wasn't the first time she had butted heads with the equine female, and it wouldn't be the last. It wasn't that she believed Whitegrazer would ever partake in such devious plans to eradicate life from this planet, at least not willingly, but the other female also seemed intent to keep defending the Vok to an extent as well.

Due to her heritage, perhaps? But even so, the equine was one of the Maximals now. She may have an odd history with the Vok, but she wasn't one of them anymore.. Was she?

"It is nothing against Optimus."

"They seem more receptive towards him, even if it is only a fraction or a warning. If it had been anyone else, they wouldn't have had warned us of what was to come until it was too late. But because Optimus Primal is related to Optimus Prime, they thought to hear him out or at least let him speak his peace, even if went in one ear and out the other."

"I just wished my own people would have talked to me, and spared Optimus some of what they subjected him to."

Aurora's gaze dropped to the floor, the look of annoyance melting off her face.

She hadn't really taken into consideration the torments Primal had been put through by these beings. And still he, who should have more reason than anyone to hate them, chose to just let them slip away silently. And to hear that the Vok were actually interested in what Primal had to say, at least to some small extent, was intriguing in a way.

"Will they ever let him go?," she pondered out loud, referring to the torment their leader was obviously still going through. The fuzor had seen the markings he had carved into the walls, heard rumors of his inability to get a good night's sleep, even heard him cry out during one of those sleeps while walking by his chambers..

As if on cue, the white mare/vok turned silent for a moment, her attention with someone else. Aurora just continued her work in silence, not wanting to interrupt.

After Whitegrazer snapped out of it, the two of them left the brig and continued on to find Rhinox. When they did, Whitegrazer gave the engineer her report while Aurora merely listened. The fuzor remained mostly expressionless, albeit she did smile a bit when Whitegrazer informed Rhinox that Optimus had recovered the fuzor's ID chip. Thank goodness for that!

[Optimal Optimus Primal]

"Rhinox, Optimus has communicated with me."

After wiping his hands clean, Rhinox folded up the ladder and closed the roof hatch before he looked over to find the footsteps and voices that he was hearing belonged to both Whitegrazer and Aurora. He returned the equine's smile in response to her informing him that Optimus had finally made contact with her again. It was a big relief because he knew how cautious their leader was trying to be when it came to anything having the Vok involved. It also told him how his friend was moving on now and trusting the one he was bonded to. This would make things easier for the entire crew, not just the awkward or silent tension between Primal and Whitegrazer. Studying her and the material that she was covered in, he asked curiously, "What happened?"

"Optimus, Blackarachnia, Rattrap are okay. They even got Aurora's id chip back undamaged."

It was obvious to witness the robust Maximal's shoulders relaxing when she gave him the status report. After all this time, they finally had a progress update. And the fact that they had retrieved Aurora's identification chip was a great addition. Rhinox glanced at Aurora to see her reaction and sent her a reassuring smile. Were things finally looking up for them after such a long and difficult day?

"But they ran in to a few more problems.

Nope. He thought too soon, and his smile faded as he looked back to Whitegrazer. So, now what was the problem?

It seems Zodiac stroke a deal with Rampage. He attacked Megatron and stole Rampage's other half of his spark.

"Rampage?" he inquired thoughtfully, uncertain for a moment as to whom she was referring to. But as she continued to explain, there was only one bot on this planet whose spark had been split into two halves and survived; Protoform X. So, he had a real name now? Primus, he cursed in his mind. Those two were working together? Both of them were pretty much unstoppable. How could this have happened? How could Zodiac have stolen Rampage's spark from Megatron? It could not have been easy because the Predacon tyrant would not let it slip through his fingers without taking extra precautions.

Rattrap and Blackarachnia apprehended Zodiac, but with the distraction of the Predacons, it seems he escaped. He is making his way to the Viper where I believe Rampage is there also. Megatron and the Predacons along with our comrades are following Zodiac now to the coordinates.

"The Viper?!" Rhinox's crimson optics lit up. "Here?! That's impossible." He shook his in disbelief. But if it really was there on Earth, and Zodiac knew its location... "This is a very serious situation," he told them in a deep tone.

Once they found the ship, they might need our help."

"Then we had better be ready. Keep the communications open and arm yourselves. Have you finished preparing the brig?"

-----

"Perfectly clear,"

The Predacon glanced over to his side following Nemesis's voice, accepting her obedience and presence but not really reaffirming anything more than that.

"It's good to see you two getting along.

Megatron's upper lip had curled slightly as he glared down at the approaching black widow. A shame the ship's canons didn't destroy her.

Optimus, spotting Nemesis joining them, had made eye contact with her with mutual respect and a welcoming expression, but he didn't let it linger long enough for any one else to notice before he shifted his pink optics back to Megatron who had been distracted by Blackarachnia.

"So how about you, Megs? You look awful well for a bot who almost got ripped to shreds," "I won't forget the look of your face."

Most would have expected an angry growl to erupt in the Predacon's throat, but this time he decided to keep his cool and put on that most devious grin of his that made lesser bots quiver in their armor. How she knew about his previous ordeal did bother him, and now he had the scar to prove it, but clearly he was made of tougher metal. Much tougher than her's. "And I will not forget the look on yours the moment I thoroughly enjoy watching the life slowly drain from your frail and powerless body, exterminating your unwanted existence from this wretched planet."

"That's enough, Megatron," Optimus spoke up against his threat that was made to be taken quite seriously.

"Honestly, Primal, you must know that she is only using you to her advantage and for your protection," he ended with some mockery in his tone toward Blackarachnia without looking at her as he saw it as a weakness on her part.

"That's really none of your concern, now is it?" he reinforced.

"How come you can make threats toward them but we can't?" Terrorsaur asked Megatron with some irritation as he pointed out his hypocrisy and overlooking the obvious fact that Megatron was their superior officer who could do whatever he wanted.

A bellowing of laughter briefly escaped the Predacon leader's mouth before he answered his disobedient flier with, "Because, Terrorsaur, she's far from being a Maximal. She is still a Predacon." Which was a "loop hole" that he was willing to exploit.

"No, Megatron. Blackarachnia arrived on this planet as a Maximal, and as a resident among my ranks, she is not an exclusion to your truce. So, you will adhere to your cease fire involving all of those under my command," Optimus told him firmly. Clearly, he was not intimidated or afraid of the dangerous Predacon warlord.

"Hmph," Megatron scoffed lightly as he maintained a mischievous smile looking upon the hovering ape. "Very well." It was ironic that the Maximal protoform Megatron stole so long ago and had Tarantulas reprogram as a Predacon would turn on him and rejoin the Maximals. He merely figured that she had then chosen death.

"But beware, Miss Arachnia. Optimus will not always be around to put himself between you and my wrath." His smile faded to a sneer as he leaned over the she-spider added softly, "So, watch your mouth before you say something that you will regret."

"Well, it was originally a Maximal ship. Maybe it's gotten wise."

"It is rather astonishing how easy it is for us to steal Maximal vessels, is it not?" Megatron asked rhetorically with a smirk as he stood up straight again and turned Blackarachnia's insult around to mock the Maximal leader before him.

Optimus simply let his words roll off of his silver shoulders.

"Well, I guess then," "we better move before Zodiac and his new serial killer friend leave us high and dry.

Primal effortlessly adjusted his hovering and balance for her weight as she climbed onto his hoverboard and sat down with her legs dangling over the side of it.

"Keyword there is former."

The TransMetal gorilla hoped so, and he wanted to trust her, but he couldn't force her to feel comfortable or accepted within his crew. That was up to her. As well as his Maximals were working with her - for the most part - she had also been cooperative, but it was clear to him that she was still a very independent female and didn't trust anyone. He couldn't blame her. Blackarachnia's life had been full of deception, threats, paranoia, confusion as to where she belongs in this war, and a very strong desire for her own survival. Still, he didn't think she was as selfish as she made herself out to be. Somewhere inside of her was still a Maximal. Even if she was just using him and the Axalon for her own benefit, that wasn't going to change who he was as a compassionate and headstrong leader. If that's what she needed to survive Megatron and his Predacons, then he was going to offer it to her because to him every life mattered despite how insignificant Megatron may think hers is.

"Hello there, cowboy,"

Sugarbot, he thought before recalling how cruel she had been to him. His optics narrowed at her as he pretended to spit at the ground under her on Primal's hoverboard to show his intolerance of their past interactions and embarrassment.

"Yes, Terrorsaur, shoot him and see how well that turns out for you."

"At this point, I'd rather shoot someone else," he grumbled as he glared at her trying to keep his words in check in accordance to the conditions of their cease fire.

After they had all departed with Primal leading the way by his tracking device, and the obnoxious, treacherous arachnid riding with him, Megatron's Predacons fell in behind him, and he received a private transmission from Nemesis.

"When we've arrived at our destination, what are your orders? I think it's a fair bet that Primal will never agree to simply hand the traitor over to us."

"I believe you are correct," the TransMetal t-rex answered her while his optics constantly scanned the terrain below and all around them for anything suspicious. "Optimus has not been entirely forthright with me, nooo. There is something that he is seeking from Zodiac which he has failed to reveal." And that uncertainty made Megatron hesitate on formulating a plan. Whatever they were about to discover was likely to throw a wrench into his scheming. As unusual as it was for Megatron to not be three steps ahead, he was still capable of efficient adapting and being opportunistic. Perhaps it would be wise to try to gain more information from the Maximal. "I trust you have a plan, Primal?" he called up ahead to him loud enough to be heard over the wind in their audio sensors and all of their engines. "You may want to have us involved with it after all," he suggested.

Optimus adjusted his heading per the coordinates he was following with the tracker on Zodiac. Noticing that the readings had stopped drastically changing, he presumed that the shape shifter had finally landed, which meant that it was possible that Rampage was there as well... and the Viper. He didn't answer Megatron immediately since he was waiting for more information from Rattrap.

Sneaking around quietly on foot in his beast mode, Rattrap spotted Zodiac and Rampage conversing near the Viper. It was an impressive vessel despite the mud, some algae and rusty spots on it from the water exposure. What was more, however, was that it looked operational. It looked like it could and would fly. Why couldn't they have known about this sooner?! They could have ended the Beast Wars and been on their way home right now! Well, at least it looked like they still had a chance of accomplishing that, so enough day dreaming and back to business with his eavesdropping...

"Great job, partner," "But we need to hurry before the others arrive. You will be pleased to know that Megatron has paid dearly for what he did to you and he will no longer be an obstacle in our way."

Boy, is he in fer a surprise, thought the rat.

"Ah! Good. Though, I regret the fact that I won't be able to feast upon his spark."

I really don't think anybody wants ta eat dat tainted spark, he nearly gagged with his imagination.

"I did run into some trouble, as you can see.. Do you mind breaking this thing off?"

Now they had his full attention. How did Zodiac break the other cuff, anyway? Maybe he was about to unknowingly show him. But why ask the giant crab to do it for him if he had done it himself back at the Darksyde? Rattrap watched closely.

"Oh, I wish mine were so easy to break off. Also, I do so hate to see that my companion can't be with us. No doubt you had no time for her, did you? Oh, that's right. You must have been overwhelmed." "You can help with that, though. You have the other half of my spark. Give it to me, and I will be in your debt. After all, you are not like Megatron, are you?"

Oooo, this was getting interesting. Did Zodiac finally bite off more than he could chew? Rattrap could feel the thrill growing inside of him by watching Rampage lift the renegade completely off of the ground by the cuff that was still attached to his wrist. The guy was even squirming now. He must have been panicking a little since Rampage wasn't a bot to fool around with. It was clear how dangerous and powerful he was. Probably even more so than Zodiac. For a moment, Rattrap couldn't believe that Optimus had been involved in the creation of a spark like his. It was saddening... and troubling. It was a side of him he never expected to exist. But he stay focused here.

"You're no fool," "But nor am I. Yes, I will give you the spark.. But only after we have departed this planet. "

You guys ain't goin' no where, Rattrap thought.

"Kill me.. or try to harm me.. and that spark will be lost to you forever. "

Would it, though? Or would Rampage be able to sense it with the other half that was still inside of him and find the missing half? And it wasn't until that very moment that he remembered how the freak could sense others nearby or their fear or something like that. Was Rattrap too close now? Could he feel him in the vicinity or smell him? He laid on the ground to keep himself hidden in the treeline and thought it best to contact the boss monkey now before anything happened to him. Being there alone with these two was not a good idea. "Rattrap ta Optimus," he whispered into his comm. link. "Ya read me, Fearless Leader?"

"I read you, Rattrap," Primal returned, albeit Rattrap's voice was a little broken up by minor interference but still audible.

"Zodiac needed Rampage's help ta pull the ship outta de water, but it looks fully functional. Dis is bad, Optimus. If dey get this thing in the air, we'll be as good as dead."

"We're not scrap yet," he assured Rattrap and his negative attitude, implying that they still had just as much an opportunity to stop them as they did getting airborne with the Viper. "See if you can infiltrate it or sabotage it in some way to prevent them from escaping. As a last resort, we'll have to ground it indefinitely." Even if it was the Maximals' only way back to Cybertron, they can't let those two get away. "We're inbound."

"Great. Leave me with de dirty work," he sent back to him with some anxiety in his voice. Although he loved blowing stuff up, he'd to have to be the one to damage this beautiful ship that could very well get them home. But Optimus was right. It was imperative to keep Rampage and Zodiac on the planet before they could wreak havoc else where in the universe. So, how was he supposed to get near the Viper let alone inside of it without them seeing him? Where it stood now was on the beach out in the open with those two close to it. A distraction maybe? By the time he returned his attention to them as he peered through the brush, he witnessed with widened, green eyes Zodiac piercing his own wrist to detach the other cuff. He covered his mouth with oe of his front paws as though he was trying to prevent himself from vomiting. Sick! he thought. Talk about desperation.

"Don't push me again,"

Maximizing in stealth, Rattrap dug a shallow hole in the loose dirt and took out one of his demolition charges. Arming it for twenty seconds, he placed it in the small crater and reverted to his beast mode until he got to clearer ground with less debris and traded his paws for his wheels. He wheeled around without the noise of his engine, driving away from the explosive and toward the ship but keeping himself behind the treeline so he was less noticeable.

KABOOM! The large and loud explosion turned up soil, sand, and debris in all directions in a fifty foot radius while Rattrap watched off to the side to see how they would react. With any luck, they'd investigate it and leave the ship vulnerable for him to sneak inside of it.

Whitegrazer, Optimus reached out to her again in their bond. His spark raced a little as it ached for her presence. These are the coordinates to the Viper, he relayed to her. Send reinforcements. This time, their link didn't break.

Still waiting to hear from his adversary in front of him, Megatron's optics widened when he spotted the ship below near the body of water up ahead. "By the Pit!"

"Don't get too excited, Megatron," Optimus warned him. "The plan is to attack Zodiac and to keep that vessel grounded. We're all in danger if they manage to lift off," he emphasized.

Clearing his throat, the Predacon commanding officer replied, "Right. Of course," pretending to play along. While Optimus had a point, Megatron didn't see why he couldn't take the ship for himself. But he also wanted the other half of Rampage's spark back. Judging by his foe's lack of bewilderment of such a discovery, Primal must have already known about this. How dare he keep such vital information from him! "Nemesis," he returned to his private frequency with her, "Primal and I will deal with Zodiac to keep him distracted. I want you to secure that vessel. The rest of our loyal subjects will focus their firepower on Rampage."

As the entire group began their decent, lowering themselves just above the tree tops so they were hidden from being seen from a distance, Optimus said to his passenger, "Blackarachnia, stay with Rattrap until our reinforcements arrive."

Just as the Spy's demo charge had exploded, the group purposely flew through the cloudy debris to ambush Rampage and Zodiac. Nearing the ground with his hoverboard gave the black widow the opportunity to hop off safely while Primal was still in motion but slowing down. Once she did, he maximized to his robot mode and landed on his feet immediately grabbing his gun from his hip and targeting the two.

Megatron followed right behind Primal, terrorizing with a roar and landing next to him with his tail gun drawn and fully charged. Oddly enough, he held his fire as he and his nemesis stood side by side facing the other two. "Spread out, Predacons!" Megatron ordered his clan, excluding Nemesis who had her own job. No doubt the rodent was probably already trying to procure that ship. He couldn't allow the Maximals to gain control over it! "Target the traitors!"

Terrorsaur landed on the other side of Optimus with some space between them as he wielded his wing blades and charged his optic lasers.

Inferno landed next to his Queen with Quickstrike who jumped off and stood next to the tall ant in robot mode, both of them drawing their weapons. They were also spaced apart and ready to engage combat.

"Surprised?" Primal asked Zodiac, but it was more rhetorical in nature.

"I have no doubt in my mind that you weren't expecting to see me so soon, Zodiac. Or at all," Megatron commented as he observed the renegade's reaction upon seeing him. The act of wanting to murder this troublemaker once and for all was evident in his tone. Zodiac had failed to make sure Megatron had met his demise, and now he was angrier than ever. So much so that he had even sided with the Maximals now for added power to take him down and put Rampage back in his place under the dictator's copper thumb.

"Nor me," Optimus added and licked the scar across his lips. "I'm afraid we can't allow you to leave since this isn't your ship, and you have failed to complete your unforgiving vengeance on me. I believe you also have something else that doesn't belong to you," he implied about the Admiral's journal that was in his possession. "So, we're going to give you one opportunity to surrender, Zodiac."

"Decline, and you shall face the fury of both of our factions' combined firepower, yesss," Megatron finished as they stood together defiantly facing the pretender and the crab. There was a moment when the tyrant's optics settled menacingly on Rampage's, suggesting that the invincible bot be careful which way he sways in this confrontation. Megatron was willing to give him another chance once he reacquired his spark, but Zodiac was already considered dead to him; Megatron or Nemesis simply needed to make it a reality.

[una]

"Oh, don't you worry.. Come with me and you will have another chance at doing just that. Of course Megatron will not recognize you when we arrive on Cybertron, but that shouldn't take away from the deliciousness of the act I suppose.."

Rampage listened intently to Zodiac's words, and for a split second, he was confused as to what Zodiac meant. Why would Megatron be at Cybertron if he was already here? And why would he not recognize.... Then that confusion turned to realization. Oh, they weren't in the present, were they? Rampage, from his memory tracks, or what could could gather from conversations from the scientists, loose reports he scanned on the floors and walls, and from pieces of an old memory, old friend, his old self, or whatever he used to be before he had become the Maximal's pet project, the monster he was now, remembered about the transwarp technology. That must be it. They traveled in the past, existing now in the past. He wondered how far in the past they were? From what Zodiac said, it was far, but years, he couldn't calculate. Not right now, anyway. Could he meet his former self? Could see who he used to be? Only thing he remembered from pieces, fragments that were nothing but fading ash, that he had been a soldier in a war, and he had been gravely wound. Whether someone didn't want him to die or his grave status gave a scientist or the High Council a great opportunity to conduct their experiment, what would it be like to witness it himself? Ah, maybe he was a loyal soldier to the idealistic, peaceful Maximal cause. He felt amused by that fact, but soon, that amusement changed from bitterness to indifference. If he had met his past self, he would probably eat his own spark to end his immortality, to prevent him from ever existing. Ah, and then he would be with the Matrix, the mother, that serenity, warmth. But what about Depth Charge? He couldn't deny the man who sought his destruction, and he had spent far too much time grooming the former Imperial Peace Marshal and Chief of Security of Colony Omicron to become the obsessive, ruthless hunter that he always dreamed of him to be. Would it be right to deny him his vengeance? Of course, if he killed himself, Depth Charge would just become his old self once more surrounded with friends that he had once seen killed before his optics.

An interesting dilemma, if Zodiac's plan succeeded.

"No, of course, I believe I would be doing the whole universe a favor,"Rampage smirked at the prospect of having Megatron in his grasp. "Though, I believe I will relish in his torment for awhile... until I got bored."

"After Megatron's demise, the Predacons focused their attention on me. It didn't take them long to realize you and I were working together, so they increased their focus on your friend as well. But do not fret, since we can easily use the Viper to destroy them and bring her bac.."

Rampage just smiled, amused at Zodiac's attempt to try and remain calm under his looming gaze. He lifted the shapeshifter up off the ground, vulnerable, interrupting the shapeshifter's excuse to abandon his companion, who, as clever as he was, could have saved her, but the shapeshifter could still remain useful to him, by handing him the other half of his spark. That was his, and his alone, and he will not allow someone else to hold it's puslating, horrifying, and yet, magnificent power.

"You're no fool," the renegade admitted as his squirming grew just a tad, "But nor am I. Yes, I will give you the spark.. But only after we have departed this planet. "

"Kill me.. or try to harm me.. and that spark will be lost to you forever. "

"Oh, come now, my friend,"Rampage tightened his grip, smiling. He enjoyed watching the shapeshifter squirm, feeling the bot's body heat rise, his spark pulsating, his head sweating as he held him, oh, how delicious he smelled! "You just helped me escape my captors, and I have helped you in bring your ship to land. Where is the trust between us?" He wanted his spark whole again, and he wasn't going to allow his new friend, though useful and fun he could be, get in his way. Zodiac's words gave him a great pause. If he had been so focused on, he could have been followed. If so, then... ah, he felt it! He knew when danger, when new prey approached. "If what you say is true, what makes you think they haven;t caught on to our little scheme? They might be on their way now, and if so, you will need me at my full strength, and with the other half of my spark, my wrath would be tremendous."

Rampage giggled, but it didn't last long. Zodiac fidgeted against his restraints. At first, he thought the shapeshifter attempted to slithered off the cuffs, but that thought processes was wrong. Rampage watched as Zodiac's hand formed a dagger. Rampage watched with fasicination as the shapeshifter hurt himself in order to get away from him.

"Don't push me again," the renegade told his partner, giving him the only warning he intended to give.

"So, you aren't like him, at all, are you?" Rampage was actually surprised that the shapeshifter didn't take the chance to use the other half of his spark and keep him in line. So Rampage took a step back, putting his hands in the air, yielding. At least, until another opportunity presented itself.

"It's a matter of protecting our future,"

Blackarachnia shook her head, "Tsk, tsk, you really have let this purple tin tyrant get inside your head." But the black widow herself shouldn't be surprised. After all, Nemesis wasn't a Predacon, she was a Decepticon at heart, and no doubt, Megatron used that to his advantage. The Decepticons have never forgotten or forgiven the cruel defeat the Autobots thrusted upon them, and because of what she downloaded from Megatron's backup of the Golden Disk, there was a hint of some type of Decepticon signature inside, but she was unable to decipher it, as Deception language was different than Predacons used. So she wondered if Megatron showed Nemesis something that made her complicit? She really need to know what was on that message. But for now, she sighed, noticing Nemesis' unyielding to her own fate. "I warned you."

"But I suppose your Maximal spark will forever override your Predacon programming so that you will never see the Predacon cause for what it is."

She rolled her optics to avoid doing anything she would regret later, "You people are never going to let me live that down, are you?" She hated that factoid being shoved down her throat. She would never be a Maximal. Never.

"It would be wise of you to leave now,"

Blackarachnia just shrugged her shoulders. She tried to help, but the blackbird wasn't listening. Oh well, her funeral.

"And I will not forget the look on yours the moment I thoroughly enjoy watching the life slowly drain from your frail and powerless body, exterminating your unwanted existence from this wretched planet."

"In your own deluded dreams, grapeface." Blackarachnia smirked, crossing her arms.

"That's enough, Megatron,"

"Honestly, Primal, you must know that she is only using you to her advantage and for your protection,"

"That's really none of your concern, now is it?"

"How come you can make threats toward them but we can't?"

"Because, Terrorsaur, she's far from being a Maximal. She is still a Predacon."

Blackarachnia smiled. Well, on that part, we agree, Megs, but I'm not your Predacon.

"No, Megatron. Blackarachnia arrived on this planet as a Maximal, and as a resident among my ranks, she is not an exclusion to your truce. So, you will adhere to your cease fire involving all of those under my command,"

Now, Blackarachnia tried to keep her mouth tightly shut as the Maximal ape remained everyone that she was a Maximal protoform first. But right now, she hated Megatron more, so she kept herself from saying anything.

Hmph," Megatron scoffed lightly as he maintained a mischievous smile looking upon the hovering ape. "Very well." It was ironic that the Maximal protoform Megatron stole so long ago and had Tarantulas reprogram as a Predacon would turn on him and rejoin the Maximals. He merely figured that she had then chosen death.

"But beware, Miss Arachnia. Optimus will not always be around to put himself between you and my wrath." His smile faded to a sneer as he leaned over the she-spider added softly, "So, watch your mouth before you say something that you will regret."

Blackarachnia didn't let Megatron's old and tired intimidating tactics faze her one bit. She just glared at him, keeping her body as cool as a cucumber as he leaned over her, "I don't think it is my mouth you should be watching." There may be a truce, but she was uick to her cybervenom if Megatron wanted to pull anything on her.

"It is rather astonishing how easy it is for us to steal Maximal vessels, is it not?"

Well, at least with Optimus here, Megatron did have someone else to pick on. Maybe Optimus could distract Megatron enough for her to do whatever she wanted here.

"At this point, I'd rather shoot someone else,"

Blackarachnia watched as Quickstrike spit the ground underneath her, and she just pouted before laughing. Terrorsuar's comment, like Megatron's comment earlier towards Optimus, just rolled over her shoulders like nothing. "You could try."

"By the Pit!"

"Don't get too excited, Megatron," Optimus warned him. "The plan is to attack Zodiac and to keep that vessel grounded. We're all in danger if they manage to lift off," he emphasized.

Blackarachnia glared at Megatron. This ship is mine. Don;t you even dare, Megs.

"Blackarachnia, stay with Rattrap until our reinforcements arrive."

She heard and witness Rattrap's handitwork from afar and just whistled as she prepared herself for the fight that she no doubt would have to go through in order to obtain this ship for herself. "Ditto," Blackarachnia jumped off the hoverboard, once she got the all clear from Optimus, transforming into her beast mode, and went off to find Rattrap. With Megatron and the others in the way, things would turn complicated but if she played her cards right she may yet have an advantage over everyone here. She just needed to keep Megatron hands off HER merchandise.

"Do they still need and want you to help them?,"

Whitegrazer nodded, but then she realized a terrible truth, "Yes, but for their own ends, I suppose.. But this business with Tarantulas has changed things. They need to reevaluate their options."

"No..," Aurora protested, a bit more quietly than before, "We are your people. Or better yet.. We're your family. And family sticks together, right? I hope you're not considering ever going back to them."

"My exile on Cybertron wasn't meant to be permanent. For a time, I used to think I will return to them."

Used to was the keyword there. The orignial plan was for her to fulfill her purpose and help this planet at peace and remain at peace, but not for their benefit, but the benefit of the universe as a whole. Cybertron had caused a lot of grievances to the state of the galaxy, and the Vok deemed it their job to not allow a second war to jeopardize until they attempted to rebuild. For a split second, they thought about extermination, but because of Optimus Prime, they deemed it too harsh of a judgement. They owed Cybertron a chance to rewrite their history, fix their own wrongs. She wanted to be the one to facilitate it without attachment, but she failed that rule. She got attached, too inside the conflict that she couldn't see straight, or at least, see it from a detached perspective, which the Vok warned her would happen. She argued that it wouldn't happen. That she could maintain her detachment, and on the greater good, as well as hold on to the belief of contempt and superiority over physical beings and their trivialities. She did remain detached to her Maximals comrades and Predacon enemies... for a time, and only for a time before she grown used to them, respected the honorable enemies and despised the dishonorable ones, and the protoforms, the protoforms she helped create as well as those manufactured, feeling their new life, their innocence, drove a nail into her spark.

She had failed, and she allowed her empathetic abilities to overwhelm her cool and calculated logic into a vicious and unyielding fury. That had caused her place in Nexus Zero, forced the Vok to send one of their own, TyCross to observe and keep an eye on her, leaving her vulnerable to the High Council's grabby hands of attaining any advantage over the Tripredicus Council, and in that act of weakness, her power stripped, mined, causing nothing but torment and death, vengeance and hatred, desire and lust.

There was a moment, a point of time, where she sought her own vengeance, until she realized how pointless of a venture it was. It was an act of defiance, an act of destructive terrorism that disgusted her to this day, of how close she was about to fall.

Still unerved her now, a tale she never actually talked to Optimus or anyone about, the point of time where she made her choice, the path she laid pebbles to this day.

And she was glad. After all, it led her here, to Optimus, Rhinox, Aurora, and the rest of her Maximal comrades, friends, Nemesis, Zodiac, Umbra, and so on.

She wasn't a Vok no more.

She admitted it now.

Too many people needed her, too many people wanted her here, and those people no doubt would wept if she returned to her people.

"But that has changed. I know I am not one of them anymore." Whitegrazer smiled at Aurora, reassuring the little one that she was staying with them.

"Life should never emerge via a perfectly scripted set of events. If given the chance to exist, I'm sure the life on this planet would thrive. With or without our meddling."

"They thought they could advance this planet and it's inhabitants quicker, more efficiently. I disagree with their assessment, and I agree with yours. " I she had to do it over again, she would have never left Nexus Zero. She should have pushed aside her arrogance and left Cybertron alone.

"But why not just let the mistake remain? In time I'm sure it will correct itself," the fuzor protested, sounding a bit frustrated. "It is not their mistake to correct any more!"

"Because, when you are responsible for the lost of billions of lives, a destruction of a species, you will do anything, anything at all, to correct that mistake, no matter how many times you fail." Whitegrazer lowered her gaze. "Guilt is the most powerful emotion of all that can leave anyone into a trip of obsessiveness to rid themselves of it." She would know, as would others.

"Will they ever let him go?,"

Whitegrazer didn't realize how the Vok's actions and motivations towards Optimus could be... misunderstood. Though, she didn't blame them. The Vok had a way of expressing their... emotions. "Their...reaction to Optimus wasn't meant to terrorize him nor any attempt of malice. Believe me, they, in their own way, respect Optimus, more than they do Megatron." And that was because Megatron was an affront to their eyes. Even if, she found it hard to swallow, the Vok hold a similar air of cold, calculating ruthlessness like him. Opposite sides of a different coin. "Maybe they will lessen their grip... when they stop trying to hurt us."

They conversation would have to cut short here, as after Optimus communicated to her through the link, she needed to have Aurora and Rhinox togetther alongside her so that they could come up with plan to help their friends.

She explained to Rhinox and Aurora what Optimus had communicated to her. Rhinox seemed to relax when she told him that they were all okay. Of course, that relief, that smile, dropped instantly once she relied what happened.

"Rampage?"

"Yes, and it makes sense. Rampage is basically a slave, and it presents an opportunity for Zodiac to gain an ally, an immortal and strong ally, to help him in his endeavors. Though, I don't believe Zodiac really understands who Rampage really is, and if Zodiac isn't careful, ally or not, Rampage might attack him, in order to regain his spark without anyone gaining a chance to use it against him again." Whitegrazer held her head down when she talked about Zodiac. Zodiac was playing with a very dangerous fire, and if he wasn't too careful, he could get scorched... badly. And she didn't want that to happen. "Megatron seemed to fare well enough, though, it seems." She didn't know how Zodiac obtained Rampage's spark, but it had to have been from Megatron's grasp. What happened there?

The Viper?!" Rhinox's crimson optics lit up. "Here?! That's impossible." He shook his in disbelief. But if it really was there on Earth, and Zodiac knew its location... "This is a very serious situation,"

"I know. Another ship, right under our noses all this time. If we had known about that journal Zodiac hidden, we might have been able to secure it ourselves." Maybe they still could. Rhinox and Optimus seemed familar with the ship, due to Nexus Prime, but she didn't know as much as she wanted to. Maybe Rhinox could give her some history, if he could. "What is the Viper, Rhinox? Is there anything you tell us about it?"

"Then we had better be ready. Keep the communications open and arm yourselves. Have you finished preparing the brig?"

"The brig is ready. All we need to do is wait for Optimus to give me the coordinates, and then maybe we can pull up the area here and formulate a plan to help our friends."

Whitegrazer, Optimus reached out to her again in their bond. His spark raced a little as it ached for her presence. These are the coordinates to the Viper, he relayed to her. Send reinforcements. This time, their link didn't break.

The moment Optimus opened the link, like a caressing hand, she read the coordinates Optimus sent her and reassured him. We will get there as quick as we can, Optimus, and... watch yourselves."

"Rhinox, Optimus has given me the coordinates." She typed them in on the command center and pulled up a map of the area for Rhinox and Aurora to see.



Rampage still held his hands in his yielding when an explosion rocked the ground they stood on. It was near the ship. He knew it! Zodiac had been tailed. From the cloud of debris and dust, both Optimus Primal and Megatron appeared along with a few of Megatron's minions. The annoying bird, and that dull soldier bot of Megatron's. Good. He was itching for a battle, especially towards Megatron.

"From the looks of it you will get that chance to feast on Megatron's soul after all," Zodiac told the crab. "Go. Destroy them, tear them limb from limb, inflict whatever horrible fate upon them, but keep them off my back for a short while."

Rampage didn't need to be told twice as he pulled out his dual weapons and aimed them at the group, especially Megatron. "I will enjoy feast on your spark!

Rampage fired at them all, but his hulking statue raced towards Megatron, his mouth roared a hallowing nightmare.

[Phoenix]

"Tsk, tsk, you really have let this purple tin tyrant get inside your head."

Nemesis scowled at the female spider as she said those words. It wasn't true. Knowing when someone is right and blindly following someone were two very different things. It wasn't as if she always agreed with everything Megatron did, but in the long run his plan was sound. Of course BlackArachnia, who once served as a Maximal, wouldn't understand the plight of the Decepticons or Predacons. Nor would she care since it didn't affect her directly.

"I warned you."

"I'm not the one with a target painted on my backside," Nemesis muttered as way of response. She didn't know if the spider had heard her or not since they were both on the move when the words came, but it hardly mattered.

"You people are never going to let me live that down, are you?"

No. No they wouldn't. The she-spider might consider herself a Predacon still, but that didn't mean she was one. She sure didn't act like a loyal one, for that she was too busy stabbing her old comrades in the back.

Fortunately the spider decided to focus her attention on someone else after they got outside. And then they were off, chasing the traitors.

"I believe you are correct," the TransMetal t-rex answered her while his optics constantly scanned the terrain below and all around them for anything suspicious. "Optimus has not been entirely forthright with me, nooo. There is something that he is seeking from Zodiac which he has failed to reveal."

Nemesis had merely sent Megatron a passing glance as he verbalized her thoughts on the matter in private. Optimus keeping secrets.. To someone who didn't know the Maximal leader very well, that thought could come across as provocative and a bit shocking, sure, but Nemesis knew Primal well enough to realize he had a past. They 'all' had one, and in many cases the reason they had joined the crews of the Maximals and Predacons on this planet respectively was to hide from that past.. The avian female rarely spoke of her own past to the others, but she certainly hadn't forgotten. Nor would she ever.

"Any theories on what it could be that he's hiding from..," she started responding on their private channel when something emerged on the ground not far from them. Nemesis scanned the object and realized it was another ship, seemingly in good shape despite the amount of time it must have spent at the bottom of the lake right next to it. Well, that answered at least a couple of her questions.

As they got closer she noticed the two forms on the ground right in front of the ship. It would appear they had gotten here just in time!

Nemesis followed behind Megatron as they made their descent towards the ground, only for the tyrant to open his channel again.

"Nemesis," he returned to his private frequency with her, "Primal and I will deal with Zodiac to keep him distracted. I want you to secure that vessel. The rest of our loyal subjects will focus their firepower on Rampage."

Get inside that thing? A part of her should have felt honored, she supposed, yet she still felt some disappointment over the fact she wouldn't be part of the main assault against the shapeshifter and his oversized buddy. Hopefully Megatron would save the final blow to after she had secured the vessel.

"You can count on me," she replied to him in private before quickly breaking formation so that she could get closer to the ship without being detected.

"No, of course, I believe I would be doing the whole universe a favor,"Rampage smirked at the prospect of having Megatron in his grasp. "Though, I believe I will relish in his torment for awhile... until I got bored."

"You will have all the time you wish.. All I ask is that you make him suffer. Make them all suffer."


Zodiac neglected explaining the true potential of the Viper to his larger companion, as the endless possibilities was his own to harness. No matter how useful Rampage could be as a member of his thus far two person crew, his main function was still reduced to doing Zodiac's bidding. Granted, the renegade hoped to avoid having to turn to torture to keep the beast loyal, but if that's what it all came down to in the end he wouldn't hesitate to use the spark against the crab. But the way he saw it an unwilling participant was more likely to try to rebel and to stab him in the back than someone he got to build some form of trusting bond with. So he was willing to give that approach a chance first. Yet part of him didn't think it would be long before the crab misused the renegade's generosity and had to be put in his place.

And sure enough, it didn't take long before Rampage tried his patience by lifting him in the air by the bond on his wrist. Zodiac would have liked to claim it was his quick thinking that got him back on his feet, but truthfully it was more an act of desperation.

"Oh, come now, my friend," "You just helped me escape my captors, and I have helped you in bring your ship to land. Where is the trust between us?"

"Trust.. isn't built on intimidation," Zodiac hissed back at him, ignoring the fact it was his own reluctancy to hand over the spark that had started this little altercation between them. Of course simply handing the spark over wasn't an option given Rampage's darker tendencies. No, Zodiac wasn't a fool and he certainly wasn't planning on becoming the crab's next meal.

"If what you say is true, what makes you think they haven;t caught on to our little scheme? They might be on their way now, and if so, you will need me at my full strength, and with the other half of my spark, my wrath would be tremendous."

"Even if they were," Zodiac started as he studied his by now completely healed wrist, "They would be too late to stop us. " Zodiac almost also reminded the crab of how Megatron had been able to cut out half of the spark even when the crab had been complete, but he decided against it. It was better to remain on the crab's less dangerous side.. for now.

"So, you aren't like him, at all, are you?"

The renegade nearly snorted at that, seemingly finding the thought insulting.

"I spent most of my life getting experimented on and forced to do someone else's bidding. I know what torture feels like."

He left it at that, not wanting to elaborate just now. The memories were still too fresh, too raw, and frankly he didn't need the distraction right now.

A loud explosion, one close enough to cause the ground to tremble beneath their feet, pulled Zodiac's attention away from the crab at his side. The sound had emerged from an area very close by, and sure enough there was smoke ascending from the seemingly deserted spot while bits of dirt, sand and pieces of vegetation started to rain down upon them. The renegade's optics narrowed as he searched the surrounding area for any sign of life or movement, only for another sound from behind the point of the explosion forced Zodiac to look up.

As he stared up into the horizon, he addressed Rampage once more. "We need to move. Something.." That was as far as he got before several shapes started appearing through the cloud still emerging from the location of the recent explosion, the realization of how he must have been followed silencing the shapeshifter. But as bad as being followed could potentially be, it was the sight of the two figures leading the onslaught against him that caused the pulsations of his spark to increase and his fists to clench with unwanted anticipation.

Multiple other attackers appeared as well, mostly if not all in the form of Predacons, all spreading out and training their weapons on the two renegades. But Zodiac paid them no attention, his focus being entirely on the two males that had just appeared through the thick smoke. He recognized them instantly, of course, but still his mind had a hard time accepting what he was seeing as raw, hard facts.

It couldn't be.. Not them, not here and now! How?!

His mouth must have dropped partially open in disbelief, but he quickly closed it as soon as he managed to regain a fraction of alertness. The sight before him seemed so surreal, his optics widened a bit in surprise, not only because these two figures before him were supposed to be dead but also because now they had apparently teamed up against him. And that was just about unheard of!

"Surprised?"

Primal's voice made it all too clear that it wasn't merely his own mind playing tricks on him, but Zodiac fought back the initial urge to shoot at the nuisance who simply wouldn't stay dead. It may have been his first instinct to do so, but a quick surveillance of his surroundings made it abundantly clear that the unwanted guests all had their weapons trained on them.

Was he surprised? By the Pit, yes, he was. He had taken it for granted that the unbearable pain he had felt from Whitegrazer was due to Primal's untimely demise, even if he had sort of question his own assumption from time to time afterwards. Still, seeing him here, like this, in what seemed like good condition was.. almost dreamlike in nature. And Megatron standing by his side was perhaps just as weird, considering the poor condition the tyrant had been left in. Albeit a quick glance at the purple Predacon revealed that he had not emerged from the encounter with the shape shifter unscathed. A scar at his abdominal region was a clear indicator of the trauma he had recently gone through and it was visible even from the distance Zodiac was at, perhaps due to the heightened senses the renegade had right at this moment.

He straightened out, draping his wings over his shoulders, attempting to maintain some semblance of control. All in all he was doing a fairly decent job of it.

"I have no doubt in my mind that you weren't expecting to see me so soon, Zodiac. Or at all,"

It took a little effort, but Zodiac managed to fight down that knot he felt in his throat that felt as it it was threatening to choke him. Perhaps as a reminder of what the tyrant would surely do in person if he was close enough to physically get his hands on the renegade. The tone in Megatron's voice did little to hide the contempt he felt towards the shapeshifter and the crab, but Zodiac still managed to look unphased even if the thoughts going through his mind were causing quite the turmoil inside his head.

"Indeed," he called back to the two after a moment when the worst of the shock had started to let go. "But not to worry, you will both be dead soon enough."

His threat didn't come across nearly as intimidating as he wanted it to, but in all honesty he was merely stalling while he tried to figure out what his best approach would be. Also perhaps threat wasn't the most accurate description, as it was more of a promise than anything. Indeed, once he and the crab made it back to Cybertron, these two clan leaders were going to be at the top of the execution list.

"Nor me," Optimus added and licked the scar across his lips. "I'm afraid we can't allow you to leave since this isn't your ship, and you have failed to complete your unforgiving vengeance on me. I believe you also have something else that doesn't belong to you,"

Something about Primal's words caused the renegade to smile a bit. It wasn't a friendly smile by any means, more of a secretive one that held a promise that sooner or later the renegade was going to make the local Maximal leader eat those words. But before answering with his own mockery of the commander, Zodiac turned his head to address the crab at his side.

"From the looks of it you will get that chance to feast on Megatron's soul after all," Zodiac told the psychotic crab. "Go. Destroy them, tear them limb from limb, inflict whatever horrible fate upon them, but keep them off my back for a short while."

He then turned his attention back to his two foes, having done a quick head count to make sure Rampage wouldn't be completely overwhelmed by the amount of troops present. It seemed as if some individuals were missing.. The entirety of Primal's Maximals for one, or at the very least specifically Rattrap, as well as Nemesis and the female spider as well. Now where did they go..? Well, it didn't really matter. He would be out of here soon enough.

"Call it a collection of a debt owed," Zodiac responded to Primal, his voice yet again revealing that smugness that had become something of a trademark for him. "Your beloved Nexus is dead and it would be a shame to let this beautiful ship go to waste, wouldn't it? I promise to put it to good use."

But despite his teasing tone, the two commanders remained stoic and held their ground. Well, not for long since the crab would see to that soon enough.

"So, we're going to give you one opportunity to surrender, Zodiac."

"Decline, and you shall face the fury of both of our factions' combined firepower, yesss,"

The slight smile on the renegade's face widened into a bit of a grin from those comments. Still he paused for a moment as if he was contemplating their less than generous offer, while in reality he was merely giving the crab the opportunity he needed to get into a more favorable position so that he could do what he did best. Wreck havoc and feast upon those poor saps who got in his way. And sure enough, ever predictable in his unpredictability, the crab fired upon their foes and then proceeded with a single individual stampede towards them. Zodiac chuckled a bit as he called back to the two commanders.

"Surrender like a good boy to face whatever punishment you two see fit? Hardly a favorable option for me when the future holds so many other favorable.. and delicious.. opportunities. For the time being, however, I must bid you both farewell since from the looks of it you're about to have company."


His form started changing as he spoke to another familiar visage, his frame bulking up a bit while the colors changing while taking on a more aged appearance. Within moments the physical form of Nexus Prime gave his foes one last glance before turning his attention to the nearby closed door of the Viper. "Computer, recognize admiral Nexus Prime. Power up weapon systems and make preparations for launch. Also prepare to bring shields back online on my order." As he spoke, he leaned in close for the retinal scan to allow the doors to open so that he could enter the vacant ship.

"Welcome admiral Nexus Prime," the computer's voice acknowledged, the ship having remained in a state of stasis while submerged but still easily brought to life at the beck and call of the commanding officer. "Rebooting systems now."

The fake admiral had an uncharacteristically wicked grin on his face as the doors opened and allowed him access to his new home for the next phase of his plan.. to his destiny.. and ultimately the end of the Maximal and Predacons who had wronged him.

Meanwhile at the Axalon..

"They thought they could advance this planet and it's inhabitants quicker, more efficiently. I disagree with their assessment, and I agree with yours. "

Well.. that was reassuring in a way, Aurora thought, or at least the fact that Whitegrazer was siding with her and no doubt the other Maximals than her own kin.

Still, the fuzor didn't agree with what the Vok were doing, even if she was kind of starting to understand why.

"But aren't the Vok essentially ageless? Why would they be in a hurry to advance a civilization when their concept of time is so different from our own?"


For each answer Whitegrazer provided, ten more questions occurred to the fuzor. She was both curious and disgusted about the Vok at the same time.

"Because, when you are responsible for the lost of billions of lives, a destruction of a species, you will do anything, anything at all, to correct that mistake, no matter how many times you fail." Whitegrazer lowered her gaze. "Guilt is the most powerful emotion of all that can leave anyone into a trip of obsessiveness to rid themselves of it." She would know, as would others.

..

"What species are you talking about? Who did they kill? And why are they so grateful to Optimus Prime?"

"Their...reaction to Optimus wasn't meant to terrorize him nor any attempt of malice. Believe me, they, in their own way, respect Optimus, more than they do Megatron." "Maybe they will lessen their grip... when they stop trying to hurt us."

Not meant to terrorize him?

"He was carving symbols into the walls for months after his ordeal with the Vok," the fuzor pointed out. "Seems pretty terrorized to me."

It couldn't have been one of the many species the Vok had killed off on one of the planets they experimented on, since from what Whitegrazer had said they had repeatedly killed all life only to start it again. It must have been a different species, someone who held more of a meaning to the Vok, and a species they weren't able to bring back for some reason..

"What happened?"

Aurora followed Rhinox' skeptical gaze over to Whitegrazer, who was still partially covered in the by now hardening plastic like formula. Aurora handed the white mare a rag to start scrubbing the substance off herself.

"Whitegrazer is quite the messy painter, but under my guidance we did manage to finish up all right," the fuzor said teasingly with a gleam in her optic.

Whitegrazer then proceeded to inform Rhinox about what she had learned about X.. or Rampage as he seemed to be called now. Aurora remained silent for this part since she honestly had nothing to contribute to it and she wasn't the one communicating with Optimus. Rampage sure was a creepy name though, and seemed quite fitting if anything of what Whitegrazer was saying about this dude was accurate. Honestly, Aurora didn't want too many grizzly details about Rampage. She had enough nightmares to struggle with.

"The Viper?!"

"Here?! That's impossible."

"This is a very serious situation,"

"I know. Another ship, right under our noses all this time. If we had known about that journal Zodiac hidden, we might have been able to secure it ourselves."

Rhinox' outburst was curious to her. At least someone knew what this was all about..

"Would it be able to bring us back to Cybertron?," Aurora asked, more than a little puzzled. It seemed important though, whatever it was. She understood it was a ship, sure, but what made it so unique? And what made everyone seem to think that it would still be functional since it must obviously have been buried or otherwise hidden since they hadn't even picked up any signal from it before now. She was about to ask, but Whitegrazer did first so Aurora held that thought to allow Rhinox to answer Whitegrazer's, and her own, question.

Moments later Optimus must have communicated with Whitegrazer again, because after she confirmed that the brig was ready, she also let them know she had the coordinates to where this Viper was located. Aurora crossed her arms, holding back a slight shudder at the thought of going there to face off with this Rampage.. and Zodiac.. with a ship with a name like the Viper going to the winner.

"We should probably arm up and go there to help Optimus and Rattrap out." Again she left out BlackArachnia's name, still not sure where the spider stood in all of this.